TMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee Attacked in West Bengal, May 31

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee was attacked by a crowd in Sonarpur, West Bengal on May 30 while visiting families affected by post-poll violence. Protesters threw stones, eggs, and shoes at him, tore his shirt, and broke his spectacles during a 10-minute assault. He was hospitalized with chest injuries and bruises. The incident escalates political tensions in the state following TMC’s recent electoral loss.

What Happened During the Sonarpur Visit

Abhishek Banerjee, 38, went to Sonarpur in South 24-Parganas to meet the family of a TMC worker killed in post-poll clashes. A crowd of protesters surrounded him, shouting slogans including ‘chor, chor’ (thief). They hurled stones, eggs, and slippers at him while attempting physical assault. Banerjee was forced to wear a helmet for protection and had to be escorted through a 600-meter muddy stretch by party workers and security forces.

Banerjee remained inside the worker’s home for over an hour as protesters camped outside. Videos showed him in a white shirt and cricket helmet walking amid crowds grabbing at him. His shirt was torn and his spectacles were broken during the 10-minute attack.

Injuries and Hospital Treatment

Banerjee was admitted to Apollo Hospital in south Kolkata with bruises and chest injuries. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed her nephew had blood clots in his chest and could have died without the helmet. She stated doctors observed multiple blunt injuries to his face, back, chest, and neck. Belle Vue Hospital later issued a medical update stating no serious physical signs of injury were found except bruises on the chest, and he was fully conscious and oriented.

Mamata Banerjee disputed the hospital assessment, questioning why he was initially taken to intensive care and kept under observation for nearly two hours if hospitalization was unnecessary. She moved him to another hospital citing concerns about treatment.

Political Blame and CID Summons

Banerjee alleged the attack was pre-planned and blamed the BJP for orchestrating it. He stated, ‘This was pre-planned. There is no police in the area. They want to kill me.’ Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP in a post on X, writing ‘RULERS BECAME KILLERS – shame on you BJP.’ BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya condemned the violence but said public anger against TMC had been building for years over their treatment of party workers.

Hours before the attack, Bengal CID served Banerjee a summons to appear Monday in connection with a fake-signature controversy involving a TMC resolution. He called the probe ‘political vendetta and abuse of power.’ Banerjee faced this dual pressure following TMC’s electoral defeat in the state.

Mamata’s Response and Planned Protests

Mamata Banerjee visited her nephew at the hospital and announced plans to hold street protests on Sunday. She criticized hospitals for their treatment of Banerjee and claimed he was moved from one facility to another due to threats. The former chief minister emphasized the severity of the injuries, stating that without the helmet, the consequences could have been fatal. TMC leaders alleged the protest was politically motivated and designed to disrupt Banerjee’s outreach programme in the area.

Final Thoughts

Abhishek Banerjee’s attack marks a sharp escalation in post-election violence in West Bengal. The incident, combined with a simultaneous CID summons, intensifies political tensions between TMC and BJP as the state grapples with post-poll clashes.

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