Political tensions in West Bengal intensified on Tuesday after Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Soumitra Banerjee was attacked with eggs by a group of people in Raniganj city of Paschim Bardhaman district while being taken to court by police following his arrest.
Videos circulating on social media showed a crowd hurling eggs at Banerjee and chanting "chor, chor, chor" (thief, thief, thief) as police escorted him towards a vehicle. Security personnel quickly intervened to prevent any escalation, bringing the situation under control and ensuring that the TMC leader was safely taken to court.
Banerjee was arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by BJP leader Ravi Keshari. According to the complaint, the TMC leader is accused of attacking BJP workers. Police have not yet disclosed further details regarding the investigation.
The incident comes barely a day after another senior TMC leader, Kunal Ghosh, was targeted in a similar egg-throwing episode outside the residence of former West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata.
According to reports, Ghosh was leaving Mamata Banerjee's residence after attending a party meeting when a local youth allegedly threw an egg at him. The accused, identified as Chandan, later claimed that he carried out the act due to grievances against the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Ghosh said he narrowly avoided a serious injury.
"I came to Mamata Banerjee's house to attend a meeting. After the meeting, when I was coming out, reporters, like every day, requested me for an interview. While I was replying to their questions, two boys targeted me and threw an egg. I saved my eye; otherwise, it could have been damaged," Ghosh said.
The TMC leader also questioned the security arrangements near Mamata Banerjee's residence, noting that the party chief enjoys Z-category security cover.
"Mamata Banerjee gets Z-category security, and still this kind of incident occurred near her house. It is very unfortunate," he added.
Ghosh accused BJP supporters of orchestrating the attack and criticized the police for allegedly failing to act despite being present at the spot.
"Do not call it public outrage. They are two miscreants from the BJP. I am not fearing anyone. Police was present at that time and did not take any steps. I have lodged a complaint with the Police Commissioner and other officials. This kind of incident cannot stop me," he said.
The back-to-back attacks on TMC leaders come at a time when the ruling party is grappling with mounting political challenges. The party has recently witnessed internal dissent, speculation over defections, and a series of resignations, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty within its ranks.
With political temperatures rising ahead of future electoral battles, the incidents have triggered fresh exchanges between the TMC and BJP, each blaming the other for the deteriorating political climate in the state. The developments are likely to further sharpen the ongoing political confrontation between West Bengal's two principal rivals.
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