Political tensions escalated in West Bengal following an alleged attack on Trinamool Congress MP Mitali Bag. The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of involvement. Police said an investigation is underway and security forces have been deployed in the area.
The incident occurred as Mitali Bag was travelling to Arambagh to attend a rally of TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
TMC alleged that BJP workers targeted Bag’s convoy en route. According to the party, her vehicle was attacked, its windshield was smashed, and she sustained injuries from shattered glass. She was subsequently admitted to a local hospital, where her condition was reported to be stable.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, TMC described the incident as a premeditated attack and alleged it was intended to endanger the life of its MP. The party further claimed that the attack was carried out by BJP workers with the objective of escalating political tensions.
TMC also linked the incident to recent remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that his statements had contributed to rising tensions in the state. There has been no official response from the BJP regarding these allegations.
Arambagh is considered a key constituency in West Bengal. The seat was previously a bhold of Left parties, particularly the CPI(M). In the 2021 election, BJP candidate Madhusudan Bag won the seat by defeating TMC candidate Sujata Mondal by 7,172 votes.
In the current contest, BJP has fielded Hemant Bag, TMC has nominated Meeta Bag, and CPI(M) has fielded Bithika Pandit.
This is not the first instance of election-related violence in the state. Earlier, clashes between TMC and BJP supporters outside Jagatdal police station left several people injured. Police had arrested four individuals in connection with that incident.
Following the latest development, security arrangements in the area have been intensified. Authorities stated that the situation is under control and police are maintaining continuous surveillance to prevent further incidents.
The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for April 29, with counting set for May 4. As polling approaches, political exchanges and tensions among parties have continued to intensify.
