Cooch Behar: Tensions flared in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, after a bus participating in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Parivartan Yatra was vandalised by workers linked to the ruling All India Trinamool Congress. The incident reportedly involved physical assault on BJP workers and disruption of the political campaign.
Cooch Behar, West Bengal: A bus participating in the BJP's Parivartan Yatra was vandalized allegedly by Trinamool Congress workers, BJP workers claim that Trinamool goons had beaten some of the workers and also took away the keys. pic.twitter.com/qrW4bsZosf
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According to BJP leaders and workers present at the scene, the incident occurred while the Parivartan Yatra was passing through parts of Cooch Behar as part of the party’s outreach campaign in the state. The yatra, organised by the BJP, is aimed at mobilising support among voters and highlighting issues related to governance, development, and political change in West Bengal.
Party workers stated that a group of Trinamool Congress supporters intercepted the bus during the yatra. The situation quickly escalated into chaos as the group allegedly vandalised the vehicle and created panic among those present. BJP workers said the attackers damaged parts of the bus and attempted to halt the procession.
Eyewitnesses present during the incident reported that several BJP workers were beaten during the confrontation. According to those involved in the yatra, the attackers also took away the keys of the bus, effectively stopping the vehicle and disrupting the campaign for a period of time. The situation reportedly forced the organisers to seek assistance before they could resume the yatra.
Local BJP leaders strongly condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to intimidate party workers and obstruct their democratic right to conduct political campaigns. They accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of encouraging a climate of political hostility in the state. BJP representatives demanded strict action against those involved in the vandalism and assault and urged authorities to ensure adequate security for political events.
The Parivartan Yatra has been one of the BJP’s key political campaigns in West Bengal, designed to strengthen its grassroots presence and connect with people across districts. Through rallies, roadshows, and public meetings, the party has been attempting to build momentum and expand its support base in the state.
However, West Bengal’s political landscape has long been marked by intense rivalry and periodic clashes between supporters of major parties. Incidents involving confrontations during political processions or rallies have occurred in several districts in the past, particularly during election periods or large political mobilisations.
Following the incident in Cooch Behar, BJP leaders reiterated that such attacks highlight the challenges faced by opposition parties in conducting political activities in the state. They said that violence and intimidation undermine the democratic process and called on authorities to take swift and decisive action against those responsible.
