A major clash broke out between BJP and TMC workers in Kolkata on Saturday, less than half an hour before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to arrive at Brigade Parade Ground. Both BJP and TMC workers sustained injuries.
The incident took place at around 1 pm when buses carrying BJP workers were headed to the venue.
While the BJP alleged that the buses were stopped and ransacked by TMC workers near Girish Park crossing on CR Avenue in north Kolkata, the TMC claimed that their hoardings were torn and that party workers were attacked when they protested.
Stones were also allegedly pelted at the residence of Sashi Panja, Cabinet Minister for Industries (Commerce and Enterprises) and Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare.
A huge contingent of police, including the Rapid Action Force, arrived on the spot, but workers from both parties blocked CR Avenue and pelted stones at each other. Several cars and motorbikes in the area were also vandalised.
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In a press conference held along with the injured TMC workers Sashi Panja said, “I am injured. Our party colleagues are injured. BJP workers had stones and lathis in their buses. The PM was talking about ‘Hisab’. Is this what it is? It had become a war zone at that time. Where is democracy? It was a pre planned attack on my home. I will file an FIR.”
“These are BJP goons. Murderers and goons are being brought from outside. They attacked my house and ransacked the reception. They pelted stones at my house. I was moved inside the house for my safety. They surrounded the house. Many of our supporters were injured. It was a planned attack,” Panja said, speaking to the media.
“BJP workers tore away our hoardings while travelling on buses. When our supporters protested, they were beaten up. My house was attacked by miscreants…outsiders,” added Panja.
Meanwhile, a BJP leader said that 35 to 40 workers sustained injuries. “Our buses were attacked. TMC goons lobbed stones at the buses. Then they assaulted our workers,” he added.
BJP Lok Sabha MP Sukanta Majumdar met with injured party workers at a private hospital in Kolkata on Saturday.
While speaking to media persons, he said, “We have the videos where it is clearly showing the goons under Sashi Panja are pelting stones at the buses carrying our supporters to the Prime minister’s rally. Local TMC councillors were also present. Police stood as mute spectators. Why did they try to stop our workers from reaching the venue? They are getting scared and desperate as elections approach.”