Following the attack on former CM Mamata Banerjee's convoy in West Bengal, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot accused the BJP of 'politics of revenge' and called it an attack on democracy.
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's convoy was attacked in Halisahar, West Bengal.
Congress leader Ashok Gehlot called the incident "the ugliest politics of revenge."
Gehlot demanded strict action against the culprits from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The West Bengal unit of the BJP has denied any role in the attack.
Jaipur/Kolkata | The political turmoil has intensified following the attack on the convoy of former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has launched a scathing attack on the BJP government over the incident, calling it "the ugliest politics of revenge."
The incident occurred on Sunday in Halisahar, North 24 Parganas district. Mamata Banerjee was on her way to meet the family of Trinamool Congress worker Birju Keot, who allegedly died in police custody.
During this visit, a crowd of protestors surrounded her convoy.
The protestors threw stones, bricks, mud, shoes, slippers, and water bottles at her vehicle. The crowd was chanting slogans like "Chase the thief away" and "Dacoit queen."
Mamata Banerjee expressed fear for her life
After the incident, Mamata Banerjee said the attack was so severe that her life could have been in danger if the car windows were open.
She alleged that all this happened in the presence of the police and that the administration took no concrete action to stop the attack.
Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot strongly condemned the incident on the social media platform X. He wrote that the BJP rule has created an atmosphere of anarchy and fear in the state.
Gehlot questioned, "If even a former Chief Minister is not safe in the presence of the police, one can imagine the situation of ordinary opposition workers in the state."
He described it not just as an attack on a leader, but as an attempt to intimidate and suppress the voice of the opposition in a democracy.
Mentioned Rahul Gandhi
Gehlot mentioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that he has always stood against violence and speaks of love and harmony, but the BJP is not ready to understand this.
He demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately take cognizance of the incident, ensure the security of the former Chief Minister, and get strict action taken against the culprits.
BJP offers clarification
The BJP has also reacted to this matter. West Bengal BJP unit president Samik Bhattacharya has condemned the attack.
He clarified that the party has no role in this incident and that the BJP does not support such acts. He said that the culprits must be punished.
Political implications of the attack
This incident and the politics surrounding it are being interpreted to have several deep meanings.
1. Unity of the INDIA alliance
The Congress leader speaking in favor of the TMC chief is being seen as an attempt to send a message of unity within the opposition alliance.
2. Changed political landscape of Bengal
With TMC out of power and BJP in power, the roles have now reversed. The same allegations that BJP used to level against TMC are now being made by TMC against the BJP government.
3. Strategy to pressure the Centre
Gehlot's direct demand for action from the Home Minister is a strategy to corner the central government on the law and order front.
4. Impact on upcoming elections
This incident could make "law and order" and "politics of revenge" a major electoral issue in the upcoming local body elections.
Pradeep Budawat
