Kalighat, the home turf of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, witnessed intense political tension on Wednesday during the second and final phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly election, as BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari faced protests while touring the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.
The situation escalated around 12:30 pm when Adhikari’s convoy reached the Muktadal More area. A group of Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters, including several women, raised “Joy Bangla” slogans while also chanting “Chor! Chor!” at the BJP leader. The confrontation intensified further when Adhikari moved towards the Patuapara locality in Kalighat, where fresh protests broke out. BJP supporters responded with counter-slogans, including “Pishi Chor! Bhaipo Chor (Aunt thief, nephew thief!)”, turning the area into a charged political battleground.
Eyewitnesses said scenes of chaos as both sides engaged in slogan-shouting, with chants of “Joy Bangla” and “Jai Shri Ram” echoing through the streets. At one point, Adhikari was seen moving alongside central forces, reportedly attempting to identify and confront what he described as “outsiders” in the area.
Adhikari alleged the TMC had brought some Bangladeshis Muslims for false voting before he arrived there. “I chased them away and forced them to jump into the Tolly’s Canal near the Chief Minister’s residence,” he said.
The BJP alleged that Kazari Banerjee, TMC of Ward No. 73 and a relative of the Chief Minister, had instructed party workers to stage protests against Adhikari. The TMC, however, rejected the claim and countered that the BJP leader was attempting to influence voters by entering the locality with outsiders.
Tensions peaked near the intersection of Kalighat Road and Harish Mukherjee Road, where Adhikari alleged that he was being targeted by attackers. As the situation spiralled, he reportedly contacted authorities to request additional deployment of central forces. The confrontation reached a flashpoint near Joy Hind Bhavan, where the BJP leader was seen advancing towards the protesters amid the escalating standoff.
Shortly before the unrest, Adhikari had expressed confidence in his electoral prospects, stating that a voter turnout of 80 per cent would ensure his victory in Bhabanipur, while a 90 per cent turnout would result in a landslide win.
As the protests intensified, a large contingent of central forces arrived at the scene. In an effort to disperse the crowd and restore order, personnel resorted to lathi-charge. Police and security forces have since been working to bring the situation under control, even as tensions remain high in one of the most closely watched constituencies of the state.
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