Kolkata: Leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari was allegedly injured during a scuffle with police in Howrah on Monday, prompting BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh to reach the assembly with an ambulance.
While BJP alleged the opposition was being targeted by police, Trinamool claimed Adhikari received "bruises" when police stopped him behind the barricade.
Tension mounted, when Adhikari visited residents of Belgachhia, Howrah, affected by the land subsidence. As he tried to enter the area, police stopped him and other BJP workers behind a barricade, leading to a scuffle. Adhikari's hand was reportedly bruised and he later alleged a sub-inspector had hit him. "Why did you hit me? You have failed to give security to the common man by letting the culprits in," Adhikari shouted at the police. "Police pushed me and injured me. I am keeping this blood as evidence."
In the morning, minister Firhad Hakim visited the subsidence-affected area and spoke to residents, assuring them of assistance in three-four days. "Police did not stop Trinamool when they spoke to locals. Why would they stop the opposition?" BJP's chief whip at the assembly Shankar Ghosh said.
When Adhikari reached the assembly later, councillor Sajal arrived with doctors and an ambulance. He was treated by "external doctors" on the premises. "See the plight of the poor. If the govt stays indifferent, a bigger incident could occur," Adhikari said.
Trinamool spokesperson Jayprakash Majumdar said, "Adhikari tried to remove the barricade and got bruised. He should have taken a tetanus. But such statements will not work." Party MP Dola Sen said, "BJP MPs lie in parliament. No wonder their leaders are lying about injuries."