Who will save you after May 4? Abhishek Banerjee to BJP after attack on TMC MP
In a Facebook Live video, TMC MP Mitali Bag, who was visibly distressed, claimed that miscreants, allegedly backed by the BJP, threw stones at her vehicle near the local office of BJP candidate Prashanta Digar, shattering its windows.
TMC MP from Arambagh, Mitali Bag, on Monday alleged that BJP workers attacked her convoy in Goghat in Hooghly district while she was on her way to attend a rally of party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on the final day of campaigning. While Banerjee warned of strict action after the election results on May 4, the BJP denied any involvement in the incident.
In a Facebook Live video, a visibly distressed Bag claimed that miscreants, allegedly backed by the BJP, threw stones at her vehicle near the local office of BJP candidate Prashanta Digar, shattering its windows. She said she was seated in the front of the vehicle while party workers were in the back when the attack took place.
Describing herself as a Dalit woman, she alleged that “lathi-wielding BJP workers” blocked her path and targeted her convoy. Bag later visited a local health centre, saying she was hit by broken glass shards.
Asking the Election Commission to "take responsibility", she accused the BJP of carrying out an unprovoked attack on TMC workers as well as a woman MP like her.
"The BJP talks a lot about the safety of women, but see how they treat a woman MP, a Dalit woman from the Bagdi community. CEO Manoj Agarwal, in a recent visit, alleged that TMC workers are terrorising people in the area. But Mr Agarwal, please check the facts," she said.
Following the attack, Election Commission officials sought a report about the incident and added that central forces were deployed in the area.
Authorities are also examining CCTV footage and the live video shared by the MP. So far, three people, Sintu Santra, Sanatan Santra and Rajkumar Roy, have been arrested in connection with the attack.
TMC, ABHISHEK BANERJEE ISSUE WARNING
Reacting to the incident, the Diamond Harbour MP issued a stern warning, saying those responsible would be held accountable. He said CCTV footage would be reviewed to track down the attackers and added that action would follow after the results on May 4, regardless of the electoral outcome in the constituency.
"You (BJP workers) attacked an SC woman leader. After 4th May, I will see which BJP leader has the guts and which BJP leader from Delhi will be there for you," he warned.
The TMC shared her video on its social media page, alleging that the attack on a Dalit woman MP by BJP workers reflected the party’s true nature.
“TMC will not take this lying down, and the people of Bengal will respond to the attack on a woman MLA by BJP hooligans in the votes,” senior party leader Kunal Ghosh said.
BJP DENIES INVOLVEMENT
The BJP, however, denied the allegations. Party spokesperson Debjit Sarkar claimed that no attack was carried out by BJP workers and alleged that TMC supporters had instead attacked BJP activists.
"To divert attention, Bag is now staging a drama," Sarkar said.
Former BJP leader Biman Ghosh, meanwhile, alleged that BJP workers were attacked during a campaign for party candidate Prashant Digar, claiming that several were injured and vehicles were vandalised in the clash.
The incident underscores the heightened political tensions in West Bengal ahead of the final phase of polling on April 29, when 142 seats will vote. In the first phase of polling, 152 constituencies voted. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
(With inputs from PTI)
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