Mamata Banerjee Alleges Attack on Kali Puja Celebrations After Incident at Abhishek Banerjee's Residence

Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Disrupting Kali Puja Celebrations

Political tensions escalated in Kolkata on November 7 after Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of disrupting Kali Puja celebrations in the Kalighat area.

The allegations followed reports of an overnight confrontation near the residence of TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee. According to reports, the incident occurred at around 2 am, prompting police personnel to reach the area.

Reacting to the incident, Mamata alleged that a group of people had attacked Abhishek's residence and disturbed traditional Kali Puja preparations in the neighbourhood.

She described the situation as "complete hooliganism" and questioned why local religious celebrations were being disrupted just before Kali Puja and Diwali.

What Happened Near Abhishek Banerjee's Residence?

The confrontation reportedly took place near Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kolkata's Kalighat locality during the early hours of Saturday.

Abhishek alleged that a group of people targeted his house and office. He accused BJP supporters of being involved and claimed that the premises had been under surveillance for two days before the incident.

He also alleged that it was the seventh attempt on his life in the preceding six months. These claims have been made by the TMC leader and require independent verification.

According to reports, clashes broke out between TMC workers and BJP supporters between approximately 2 am and 3:30 am. Several people were reportedly injured, and police personnel were deployed to control the situation.

Mamata Questions Permissions for Traditional Puja Organisers

Mamata Banerjee also raised concerns about the permissions granted for Kali Puja celebrations in the locality.

She alleged that permissions for some longstanding traditional pujas had been withdrawn, while a new puja arrangement had been allowed on the main road.

According to her, the new arrangement obstructed access to an existing celebration and prevented local clubs from carrying out their activities.

She questioned the decision-making process behind the permissions and described the alleged restrictions as unfair treatment of traditional organisers.

Mamata also referred to the importance of the locality as a route for religious processions dedicated to Goddess Kali.

'Run Bulldozers Over Me': Mamata's Strong Reaction

During her interaction with reporters, Mamata issued a sharp challenge over what she described as intimidation and attempts to disrupt local celebrations.

She questioned the BJP's alleged use of force and said that if bulldozers were to be used, they should be directed at her rather than local organisers and religious festivities.

Her remarks added to the political confrontation between the TMC and BJP in the state.

Mamata also linked the alleged hostility to the TMC's association with the INDIA opposition alliance.

Kirti Azad Raises Questions Over Police Response

TMC MP Kirti Azad also expressed concern over the incident and alleged that the police had failed to take appropriate action.

He claimed that CCTV footage showed individuals carrying stones and sticks near Abhishek Banerjee's premises for around 30 to 45 minutes.

Azad alleged that property was damaged and nearby small shops were also affected. He further questioned the police response, claiming that those involved were not arrested when officers arrived.

The TMC MP said he had written to the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding what he described as a deterioration in law and order in West Bengal.

These allegations concerning the CCTV footage and police conduct have not been independently established in the available reports.

BJP Rejects Allegations as Police Investigate

The BJP rejected the accusation that its supporters deliberately attacked Abhishek Banerjee's residence.

BJP leaders questioned the circumstances surrounding the gathering near the TMC leader's house. BJP supporters also claimed that they had faced attacks while travelling to Kalighat to purchase Kali idols.

A Kolkata Police officer said an investigation was underway following the confrontation between the two groups. Police personnel intervened to bring the situation under control, and security was strengthened in the area.

The exact sequence of events and responsibility for the violence remain matters for the police investigation.

Political Tensions Ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali

The incident has intensified political tensions in Kolkata at a time when residents and local clubs are preparing for Kali Puja and Diwali.

The disagreement over traditional puja permissions has added a religious and community dimension to the political dispute.

With both TMC and BJP leaders making competing allegations, the focus is now on the police investigation, the circumstances surrounding the overnight clash and the arrangements for local celebrations.

Authorities' findings will be important in determining what happened and whether any legal violations occurred.