A BJP leader in Kolkata, Saraswati Sarkar, alleged that she was assaulted by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers while campaigning for party MP Debasree Chaudhuri on April 28. The incident occurred in the Anadapur neighborhood in Kasba, part of the Kolkata Dakshin Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal.
Sarkar, who serves as the President of Kasba Mahila Mandal, claimed that she and several BJP workers were attacked while putting up posters in support of BJP MP Debasree Chaudhuri. In a video circulating on social media, Sarkar was seen bleeding from her head, purportedly as a result of the assault. According to reports, she stated that she was hit on the head with the butt of a gun by TMC workers.
Following the incident, BJP MP Debasree Chaudhuri visited Sarkar at her residence, and a complaint was filed at the Anandapur police station. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the attack so far.
#WATCH | West Bengal: BJP candidate from Kolkata Dakshin Lok Sabha constituency, Debasree Chaudhuri says, "BJP's president of Kasba Mahila Mandal Saraswati Sarkar was pasting the posters with all our workers along in the night. TMC has been destroying and removing the banners… pic.twitter.com/q5ifG0Ozqg
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2024
In response to the incident, Chaudhuri tweeted about a protest held at the Anandapur Police Station against the assault on Saraswati Sarkar. She demanded the arrest of the culprits responsible for the attack.
Protest at Anandapur Police Station against brutal attack by @MamataOfficial TMC G00ns on Kasba Mondal President.
Officer-in-charge of Anandapur PS is missing, they have to arrest culprits who attacked Saraswati Sarkar. pic.twitter.com/DpiD4WgNj7
— Debasree Chaudhuri (@DebasreeBJP) April 28, 2024
Amit Malviya, BJP spokesperson, condemned the TMC government, asserting that “no woman is safe in West Bengal.” He criticised Mamata Banerjee’s administration and expressed concern over the safety of citizens, particularly women, in the state.
https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1784452280412262612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1784452280412262612%7Ctwgr%5E514ae6fac66c78282492ee44571f20903b71770c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.opindia.com%2F2024%2F04%2Fbjp-leader-saraswati-sarkar-attacked-by-tmc-workers-kasba-west-bengal%2F
Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha also condemned the attack on Sarkar, emphasising that the people of West Bengal are closely observing the situation and will respond to such incidents.
https://twitter.com/DrManikSaha2/status/1784483371584032884
This incident comes amidst heightened political tensions in West Bengal ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Recently, TMC MLA Hamidul Rehman was recorded making threats against voters, warning them against voting for the BJP. He reminded voters of past instances of violence orchestrated by the TMC during elections.
In March, there were several incidents of attacks on BJP workers by individuals associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress party. The assault on Saraswati Sarkar has sparked outrage among BJP leaders, who have criticised the alleged lack of security for women in West Bengal. Union Minister Smriti Irani expressed concern over the incident and emphasised the need for justice.
Local BJP workers staged a protest outside the Anandapur police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack. However, a Trinamool Congress leader denied the involvement of the party in the incident and called for a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators.
The Lok Sabha polls in Kolkata and its surrounding areas are scheduled for the final phase on June 1, with results expected to be declared on June 4.
