Kolkata
The West Bengal BJP leveled accusations against TMC leader Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, alleging their involvement in inciting violence in Nandigram ahead of the May 25 polls. The tragic death of a woman BJP worker in Nandigram triggered widespread protests by BJP activists.
Jagannath Chattopadhyay, the state general secretary and spokesperson of the BJP, stated at a press briefing that the violence was a result of instigation by the Chief Minister and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, who holds a prominent position in the ruling TMC.
The BJP blamed inflammatory remarks and speeches by top TMC leaders for the unrest in Nandigram, situated in the Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency, scheduled for polling on May 25. Conversely, TMC leader Rajib Banerjee accused local BJP leaders and workers of vandalizing homes of Trinamool Congress supporters.
Chattopadhyay emphasized that the violence indicated the ruling party’s lack of faith in the democratic electoral process, where voters should be free to cast their ballots. He alleged that the TMC’s aggressive behavior stemmed from their fear of losing all eight seats in the upcoming sixth phase of the West Bengal elections, seven of which the BJP had won in 2019. Chattopadhyay also urged the Election Commission to ensure impartiality among civil administration and police officers to facilitate fair and peaceful elections in the remaining phases.
