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Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee slapped one of her party workers on Wednesday as clashes broke out between TMC and BJP supporters during a protest march in Kolkata over the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur.
The TMC organised the rally to protest the killing of the 11-year-old girl, but the march was repeatedly disrupted as BJP supporters confronted the procession, leading to pushing, shoving and slogan shouting. Police intervened and resorted to a baton charge to disperse the rival groups.
According to local media reports, BJP supporters formed a human chain to block the procession, shouted “chor, chor” (thief) slogans at TMC workers and threw eggs at the rally. As the procession approached Banerjee’s residence, a large crowd gathered outside.
Banerjee came out to calm the situation and was seen slapping one of her own party workers while attempting to clear the crowd. She was also seen pushing aside several others amid the commotion. Videos of the incident quickly spread on social media.
The BJP said it opposed the rally because the TMC had “no moral right” to protest crimes against women, accusing the party of protecting criminals involved in such offences.
Banerjee accused the BJP of orchestrating a “planned rampage” and criticised Kolkata Police for failing to prevent the violence.
“We had the court’s permission to conduct this rally. Even then, they assaulted our women. Many of our workers are bleeding badly, and I had to come out of my house to rescue them,” she said.
She also alleged that BJP supporters held a motorcycle rally near her residence, played loud music throughout the march and snatched microphones that had been authorised by the court. “Police are acting like BJP cadres; I am sorry to say,” Banerjee alleged.
Rejecting the allegations, BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya said his party had not obstructed the rally and instead accused the TMC of failing to change West Bengal’s culture of political violence.
Kolkata Police had initially denied permission for the rally, but the Calcutta High Court later allowed it to proceed after modifying the route to minimise public inconvenience.
The confrontation has further heightened political tensions in West Bengal, where the BJP and the opposition TMC remain locked in an increasingly bitter political battle following the change of government earlier this year.