Beldanga violence: Abhishek urges local Murshidabad administration to act swiftly
The Statesman | 18 January 2026
Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamul Congress national general secretary in Berhampore, Murshidabad today said it is only a matter of time before TMC wins from Berhampore. He was optimistic seeing the huge turnout for his roadshow and tore into the BJP for fomenting violence.
“In 2024, when I did a roadshow in Berhampore, I urged you to support Yusuf Pathan. In 2021, Murshidabad played a pivotal role in making Mamata Banerjee the CM for the third time. Out of 22 seats, you made TMC candidates win in 20. I requested you to defeat BJP’s dummy candidate Adhir Chowdhury. You honoured my request. I salute you,” said Abhishek, thanking the crowd.
On the violence in the district, Abhishek said he has received news of violence in Beldanga. “It happened yesterday as well. I was advised by many from within the party to delay today’s event by a couple of days since many people would not be able to attend. I spoke with my acquaintances in the administration and the media. I found that this violence is being instigated by BJP babus and a new traitor of this soil. If I had cancelled today’s event, it would have given oxygen to these traitors. You have already shown the door to one of the traitors, who is also BJP’s dummy candidate. You now need to take care of the new traitor democratically,” he said.
After a journalist was attacked, Abhishek urged people not to fall for provocations and asked the administration to act swiftly. “A journalist was assaulted yesterday. The same thing has happened again today. I urge the administration to take appropriate action. TMC does not support this,” he said.
He also touched up the topic of Babri Masjid. He said: “The one who is politicising the Babri Masjid issue was himself BJP’s candidate in 2019. So, who is in touch with BJP? His real face will be exposed to the public very soon. I request all my brothers from Murshidabad to maintain peace. BJP must not be given political oxygen at all.”
He accused the BJP of blocking funds for the 100-days work scheme, housing scheme, rural road schemes, and Jal Jeevan Mission. He said the BJP has not stopped at financially strangulating Bengal but also went on to execute SIR to constantly harass the people in the state. The Election Commission has turned into a ‘Torture Commission’ he said.
He talked about two helpline numbers started by the DM for migrant labourers. “If any migrant labourer faces any trouble, they should contact us on these numbers. Our administration will provide all legal assistance to bring you back home. 7430000030 and 9147888388 are the two helpline numbers,” he said.
Abhishek also spoke about river bank erosion, which is a major challenge in the district. “In Farakka, the authorities of Farakka Barrage have been pressured by the central government to make sure that people don’t get land. Did the BJP MLAs of Berhampore and Murshidabad write a single letter regarding this in the last five years? Resettlement of those who have been affected by river bank erosion is being stopped using Farakka Barrage. What’s the reason? In Hindu booths, 10 SIR notices are being sent, while in minority booths, 500 notices are being sent,” said the TMC MP.