Mamata Banerjee leads Kolkata protest over alleged attacks on TMC leaders and post-poll violence

Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday led a major protest in Kolkata against alleged attacks on party leaders, incidents of post-poll violence, hawker evictions, and what the party described as political intimidation. The demonstration was held at Esplanade’s Y-channel after police denied permission for the originally proposed venue at Rani Rashmoni Road.

Before joining the protest, Banerjee paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and carried a copy of the Constitution, underscoring her party’s commitment to democratic rights. Addressing supporters through a megaphone after authorities reportedly denied permission for a stage and sound system, she said the protest would continue as scheduled despite restrictions.

The agitation comes amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal following allegations that TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and party MP Kalyan Banerjee were attacked during visits to violence-hit areas. Abhishek Banerjee claimed he suffered an eye injury after being targeted with bricks, stones, and eggs, while Kalyan Banerjee alleged that he narrowly escaped an attack during a visit to Chanditala.

Mamata Banerjee accused political opponents of trying to weaken the TMC through intimidation and pressure tactics. She asserted that such actions would only strengthen the party and warned that if protest rights were curtailed in Kolkata, the party would take its agitation to New Delhi. Meanwhile, police have arrested five people in connection with the alleged attack on Abhishek Banerjee, and investigations are ongoing.