Mamata Banerjee: Following her defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, the challenges for former Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, along with her party, appear to be ongoing. Up until now, Trinamool Congress leaders, MPs, and MLAs have faced public discontent. However, this time, Mamata Banerjee herself has encountered public anger. In fact, West Bengal politics ignited on Sunday when Mamata Banerjee visited Bijpur in North 24 Parganas.
She was en route to meet the family of a TMC worker who reportedly died after his health worsened in police custody. During this visit, her convoy was met with protests. Mamata Banerjee claimed that stones, shoes, and mud were hurled at her vehicle, and shouts of “thief” were directed at her. The situation escalated beyond mere chanting. Mamata also raised concerns about the police security measures, asserting that the police had prior knowledge of her visit but failed to provide sufficient protection. In my opinion, this incident highlights the escalating tensions in Bengal’s political landscape.
According to reports, the event occurred in the Bijpur region. The TMC worker, whose family Mamata Banerjee intended to visit, passed away after his condition deteriorated while in the custody of the Halishahar police. This situation has incited anger in the community. Protesters opposed Mamata’s visit, claiming she aimed to disrupt the tranquility of the area. During the demonstration, chants of “thief” were directed at her. Now, there are accusations from Mamata Banerjee on one side and counterclaims from the protesters on the other. This incident in Bijpur has emerged as a new focal point of political controversy.
Protest against Mamata’s convoy in Bijpur
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived in the Bijpur area of North 24 Parganas district on Sunday. She was set to meet the family of a TMC worker who died in police custody after allegedly becoming ill. Meanwhile, a crowd of protesters gathered around her vehicle, chanting “thief” and opposing her visit.
Following the incident, Mamata Banerjee questioned the police’s security arrangements. She questioned why the administration was aware of her visit in advance, yet why adequate security was not provided. Mamata alleged that all of West Bengal is under the control of goons. She described the alleged attack on her car as a conspiracy. Meanwhile, protesters alleged that Banerjee was attempting to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the area, leading to the slogans raised against her. However, independent confirmation of allegations of stones, shoes, and mud being thrown at her car is not available. A detailed police response to the incident is awaited.
Controversy erupts over death of TMC worker in police custody
The matter regarding which Mamata Banerjee had visited Bijpur is also mired in controversy. It is reported that a TMC worker died after his health deteriorated while in Halishahar police custody. This incident heightened political tension in the area. Banerjee had gone to meet the deceased worker’s family, and the protests that erupted during the visit further escalated the issue. On one hand, Mamata Banerjee is alleging security lapses and an attack on her car. On the other hand, protesters are questioning her visit. Now, both the death in police custody and the protests against Mamata’s convoy have become a political debate.
In Barrackpore, Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says, “Large stones were hurled at my car by anti-social elements,right in front of the police. The attack on the vehicle was so severe that if the windows had been open, my head would have been split open. We could have all been killed. this happened right in front of the police. I have never seen anything like this. What is going on?… the police are providing protection to the BJP.”