Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday led a large protest in central Kolkata against alleged post-poll violence, eviction of hawkers without rehabilitation, irregularities and fraud in the NEET examination, and the vindictive actions of the BJP government.
The protest dharna was organised at Esplanade Y Channel amid rising political tensions in the state following alleged attacks on TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and senior party leader Kalyan Banerjee.
TMC protests despite permission
Despite the police reportedly denying permission, Mamata Banerjee announced that the TMC would continue with the protest programme.
She alleged that ordinary citizens and small traders were living in fear and also accused authorities of carrying out a hawker eviction drive without a rehabilitation plan.
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Banerjee further accused the BJP of using “money and power” to encourage defections from the TMC.
Mamata claims workers targeted
Addressing party supporters, Mamata Banerjee claimed that several TMC workers had faced violence since the Assembly elections.
According to her, 12 party workers had been killed, while thousands of activists were arrested and many others were forced to leave their homes. The TMC supremo also declared that the protest would continue irrespective of official approval.
“If we are not allowed to hold a dharna there, I will sit wherever I am stopped. I am ready to be arrested,” Banerjee said.
She also asserted that leaders leaving the party for personal interests would ultimately help rebuild the organisation and strengthen the TMC.
Attack on Abhishek Banerjee
The political confrontation intensified after Abhishek Banerjee alleged that he was attacked during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24-Parganas district on Sunday.
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The TMC leader claimed that bricks, stones and eggs were thrown at him while he was visiting families allegedly affected by post-poll violence.
Abhishek Banerjee described the attack as “BJP-sponsored” and alleged that it was an attempt on his life. He also accused the police of failing to provide adequate security during the visit.
