The incident took place during his visit to the Chanditala police station to present a memorandum protesting the arrest of TMC workers following the assembly elections. TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee visited the MP’s home after the alleged attack, accusing the BJP of “murdering democracy”.
While the TMC MP accused BJP supporters of the assault, the BJP rejected the claims, stating that local residents were voicing their frustration with TMC leaders throughout the state.
In a post on X, the TMC MP noted, “Just 15 metres from Chanditala Police Station, as I was heading to submit a deputation, BJP-affiliated miscreants violently attacked me. A hard object was thrown at my head, resulting in injuries and chest pain. The nature of this attack clearly indicates an intention to cause serious harm or even take my life.” He questioned, “If an opposition Member of Parliament can be assaulted in broad daylight, in full view of law enforcement, so close to a police station, what does this mean for the safety of ordinary party workers and supporters?”
The incident occurred a day after TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee faced heckling from locals during his visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district, where he was meeting families affected by post-poll violence.
Tensions flared outside the Chanditala police station as a group waved black flags at Kalyan Banerjee and shouted “thief” at him and other TMC members.
Kalyan Banerjee reported being struck on the head during the protest, leaving him injured. He was seen applying a cloth to the back of his head.
“This all happened right in front of the police,” he told reporters, attributing the incident to BJP supporters.
The Lok Sabha MP held a brief dharna, alleging police inaction. He emphasized that the TMC would persist in its protests against what he characterized as “BJP-sponsored attacks”.
A significant police presence and central forces were stationed in the area to avert any further unrest.
“Yesterday it was Abhishek Banerjee, today it is me. Such assaults will not scare us or silence us. Our battle against the culture of political intimidation by the BJP, the misuse of state resources, and the erosion of democratic principles will go on,” he stated on social media.
“We have always supported the people and advocated for their interests. We were on the streets yesterday, we are on the streets today, and we will remain there tomorrow, continuing our fight for the rights and welfare of ordinary citizens,” he added.
After the incident, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee visited Kalyan Banerjee’s home. The TMC shared a photograph on X showing the party chief next to the MP, who had a bandage on his forehead.
In that post, the party declared, “Those who think that violence and intimidation can silence us have learned nothing from history. Each attack only reinforces our resolve to stand for truth and justice. The truth cannot be stifled. Justice cannot be withheld. We will not retreat.” In a separate update, Mamata Banerjee accused BJP supporters of assaulting TMC leaders for two consecutive days.
“Yesterday, BJP supporters brutally attacked and lynched TMC Lok Sabha Floor Leader Abhishek Banerjee. Disturbing videos are circulating. Today, our chief whip in the Lok Sabha, Kalyan Banerjee, fell victim to a planned BJP assault. The BJP is murdering democracy,” she stated.
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