Kolkata: The mother of the RG Kar rape-and-murder victim, who will contest the election as a BJP candidate, on Wednesday alleged she was assaulted and harassed by Trinamool-backed goons during a campaign in Sodepur. The incident reportedly occurred when a clash broke out between Trinamool and BJP workers.
A team from Khardah Police Station reached the spot to bring the situation under control. Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal said no complaint was received.
During another campaign on Saturday, the BJP candidate had reportedly made derogatory remarks against the Trinamool and threatened assault, drawing sharp criticism from Trinamool, which had moved the EC.
During Wednesday's canvassing, she alleged, a group of Trinamool supporters, mostly women, gathered and raised slogans before verbally abusing her and attempting to attack her. A BJP worker, Sangeeta Nandi, claimed 30-35 women first welcomed the candidate by showering flowers on her but soon, turned aggressive. "They started using abusive language and tried to punch us. I was hit, my daughters were injured, and several others, including our candidate, were hurt. They are trying to mentally break our candidate, but she remains strong," Nandi said.
The BJP candidate herself alleged TMC-backed goons assaulted her. "I was not seriously injured but my workers were. I do not want such incidents. Trinamool is scared and is being aggressive. They killed my daughter and now, want to silence me. But I will continue fighting for women's safety in Bengal."
But Trinamool denied the allegations. Party candidate Tirthankar Ghosh claimed that during canvassing, the BJP candidate claimed welfare schemes, like Lakshmir Bhandar, would be discontinued. "Locals protested against such a statement and that led to the situation," he said.