‘Eggs thrown, slippers hurled’: Abhishek Banerjee attacked during Sonarpur visit; TMC leader calls it ‘BJP sponsored’
The Statesman | 31 May 2026
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday alleged that he was attacked during his visit to Sonarpur in West Bengal, where he had gone to meet families affected by post-poll violence. The confrontation reportedly unfolded amid chaotic scenes on the ground, with angry crowds allegedly hurling eggs and stones at the TMC national general secretary shortly after his arrival in the area.
Speaking to reporters after the incident, Abhishek Banerjee claimed there had been an attempt to kill him and said the matter would be taken to constitutional authorities and the judiciary. “They wanted to kill me. The entire incident has been recorded on camera. We will inform the High Court and also place the matter before the Governor. I will definitely move court,” he said.
According to the Trinamool Congress, Abhishek Banerjee had travelled to Sonarpur to meet the family members of a person allegedly killed in post-poll violence linked to BJP workers. The party alleged that the situation escalated soon after his arrival, with sections of the crowd turning aggressive and security arrangements failing to contain the unrest.
Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP of being behind the incident and questioned the absence of police deployment at the site.
“It is completely BJP-sponsored. This is their model of democracy. Not even a month has passed, and there is no police presence,” he alleged.
The episode quickly turned into a fresh flashpoint in Bengal’s volatile political landscape, with both camps trading sharp accusations over law and order and political violence in the state.
Senior TMC leader Derek O’Brien also attacked the Centre over the incident and questioned the withdrawal of Abhishek Banerjee’s security cover.
In a statement posted on social media, Derek O’Brien alleged that the TMC leader’s life had been endangered during the visit and demanded answers from the Union Home Ministry regarding the security arrangements.
Meanwhile, the BJP has rejected the allegations of its involvement in the attack, with Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya suggesting the attack could have been a result of public anger against the Trinamool Congress.
“The BJP is not involved in such activities. What has happened is not expected in a democracy,” Bhattacharya told reporters.