Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday led a massive dharna at Esplanade in central Kolkata, protesting against alleged post-poll attacks on party workers and leaders, including TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee.
The demonstration, which drew thousands of party workers and supporters, was held at the Y-channel near Esplanade after the Kolkata Police reportedly denied the TMC permission to organize the protest at the adjacent Rani Rashmoni Road. The party alleged that the administration imposed restrictions on the event, including denying permission to set up a stage and use microphones.
Arriving at the protest venue amid loud slogans raised by party supporters, Mamata Banerjee adopted a defiant stance and declared that she would continue her fight against what she described as political intimidation and violence.
“I will fight or die,” Banerjee proclaimed while addressing the gathering. Speaking through a megaphone due to the restrictions on sound systems, she accused the authorities of attempting to suppress the party’s democratic right to protest.
“We were not given permission to set up a stage or use microphones,” Banerjee told supporters, asserting that despite the obstacles, the TMC would continue to raise its voice against injustice.
The protest was organized in response to the alleged attack on Abhishek Banerjee during a political programme in South 24 Parganas on Saturday. The TMC has claimed that the incident was part of a broader pattern of post-poll violence targeting its workers and leaders following the recent political developments in the state.
Apart from the attack on Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC leadership also highlighted concerns over alleged assaults on party workers and the eviction of hawkers in various parts of Kolkata and adjoining districts. The party accused rival political forces of creating an atmosphere of fear and instability.
Several senior TMC leaders joined Mamata Banerjee at the protest site, including MPs Derek O’Brien and Dola Sen, senior leader Madan Mitra, and veteran parliamentarian Kalyan Banerjee. The leaders echoed the party chief’s allegations and demanded action against those responsible for the alleged attacks.
The dharna witnessed charged scenes as supporters waved party flags, chanted slogans, and expressed solidarity with the party leadership. Security arrangements were tightened in and around Esplanade to manage the large gathering and ensure public order in the busy commercial hub of the city.
Mamata Banerjee reiterated that the demonstration would continue until the evening as originally planned. She said the protest was aimed at drawing attention to what the TMC describes as growing attacks on democratic rights and political dissent in West Bengal.
The development marks another significant political flashpoint in the state, with the TMC seeking to mobilize public support over allegations of post-poll violence and political targeting. As tensions remain high, the protest is expected to further intensify the ongoing political confrontation in West Bengal.
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