Trinamool Congress MLA and party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh has alleged that he faced a second attack within two days while travelling in Kolkata, prompting him to take shelter at the Narkeldanga Police Station. The incident has triggered a fresh political dispute between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal.
According to Ghosh, motorcycle borne men followed his vehicle after he left his residence to attend a non political programme in his Beliaghata constituency. He alleged that the group surrounded his car in the Phoolbagan area and attacked the vehicle. Ghosh claimed that one of the attackers used a hammer to break the front windshield of his car.
Ghosh also alleged that some of the people involved were carrying weapons and that his security personnel drew a service revolver to protect him. Following the incident, his driver took the vehicle to Narkeldanga Police Station, where Ghosh took shelter.
Speaking to reporters from the police station, Ghosh described the incident as a serious threat to his safety. He alleged that the attackers were associated with the BJP and accused the police of failing to prevent the incident. These claims, however, have been rejected by BJP leaders.
The incident came a day after another confrontation involving Ghosh's vehicle in Hooghly district. On Saturday, stones and eggs were allegedly thrown at his car while he was travelling towards Serampore to attend a public programme involving West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Ghosh subsequently approached the police regarding the incident.
The two incidents have intensified political exchanges between the TMC and BJP in the state. Ghosh has alleged that the attacks were politically motivated and that attempts were being made to intimidate him. He has also questioned the police response and sought action against those responsible.
BJP leaders have denied the allegations. BJP spokesperson Debajit Sarkar rejected the claim that party workers were behind the attack. Other BJP leaders also questioned Ghosh's version of events and suggested that the incident could be connected to internal differences within the Trinamool Congress. The BJP has maintained that it had no involvement in the alleged attack.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee condemned the reported incident and called for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice. He also urged West Bengal Governor R N Ravi to speak with senior police officials, including the Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner. Banerjee said political violence should not be allowed to continue in the state.
Police have begun looking into the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack. Reports said CCTV footage from the area is being examined and statements from witnesses are being sought. A formal complaint process was also initiated following the incident.
The alleged attack has therefore become part of a wider political confrontation in West Bengal, with the TMC accusing BJP-linked individuals and the BJP rejecting the allegation. The claims made by both sides remain part of the ongoing political dispute, while the police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the damage to Ghosh's vehicle and identify those involved.
The incident has also drawn attention because it occurred within a short period of the earlier confrontation in Hooghly. With Ghosh alleging two attacks in two days, the matter has added to the continuing debate over political tensions and law and order in West Bengal.
For now, the allegations against the suspected attackers and the claims regarding political involvement remain contested. Further details are expected as police examine available CCTV footage, collect witness statements and proceed with the complaint.
