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A political flashpoint unfolded in central Kolkata on Tuesday, June 2, as Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee launched a day-long sit-in protest against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers after the BJP’s recent Assembly election victory.
Banerjee arrived at the Esplanade Y-channel to begin the demonstration after Kolkata Police declined the party’s request to hold the programme on the nearby Rani Rashmoni Road, according to PTI.
Addressing supporters with a megaphone, Banerjee claimed that authorities had refused permission for a stage and sound system at the venue.
The protest witnessed heated scenes as confrontations broke out between demonstrators and police personnel.
Amid slogan-shouting by TMC supporters, the gathering turned turbulent during Banerjee’s address. Speaking at the venue, she alleged that police in West Bengal were intimidating leaders of her party.
Senior TMC figures, including Firhad Hakim, Madan Mitra, Derek O’Brien, Kalyan Banerjee and Dola Sen, were present alongside Banerjee. However, many of the party’s newly-elected MLAs were notably absent from the demonstration.
ALSO READ | TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee alleges BJP supporters attacked, injured him outside police station
The protest centred on alleged targeted attacks against TMC leaders in incidents linked to post-poll violence, along with several other concerns raised by the party. The agitation comes amid escalating political tensions following scuffles around Abhishek Banerjee during a visit to the residence of a party worker in Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas.
ALSO READ | Majority of TMC MLAs will remain with Mamata: Sobhandeb amid split speculations
A day earlier, Banerjee declared that the sit-in would go ahead regardless of police approval and challenged authorities to detain her if they wished. She also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using money and influence to encourage defections from the TMC.
The former West Bengal CM maintained that the departure of leaders pursuing personal interests would ultimately strengthen the party and aid its rebuilding process. She further warned that if the TMC was prevented from protesting in Kolkata, the movement could be expanded to Delhi.
Banerjee arrived at the Esplanade Y-channel to begin the demonstration after Kolkata Police declined the party’s request to hold the programme on the nearby Rani Rashmoni Road, according to PTI.
VIDEO | TMC chief Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) at sit-in protest at Esplanade's Y-channel, said, "TMC leaders are being threatened in Bengal by cops."
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/gXodQB3gPp
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 2, 2026
Addressing supporters with a megaphone, Banerjee claimed that authorities had refused permission for a stage and sound system at the venue.
The protest witnessed heated scenes as confrontations broke out between demonstrators and police personnel.
Amid slogan-shouting by TMC supporters, the gathering turned turbulent during Banerjee’s address. Speaking at the venue, she alleged that police in West Bengal were intimidating leaders of her party.
Senior TMC figures, including Firhad Hakim, Madan Mitra, Derek O’Brien, Kalyan Banerjee and Dola Sen, were present alongside Banerjee. However, many of the party’s newly-elected MLAs were notably absent from the demonstration.
ALSO READ | TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee alleges BJP supporters attacked, injured him outside police station
The protest centred on alleged targeted attacks against TMC leaders in incidents linked to post-poll violence, along with several other concerns raised by the party. The agitation comes amid escalating political tensions following scuffles around Abhishek Banerjee during a visit to the residence of a party worker in Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas.
ALSO READ | Majority of TMC MLAs will remain with Mamata: Sobhandeb amid split speculations
A day earlier, Banerjee declared that the sit-in would go ahead regardless of police approval and challenged authorities to detain her if they wished. She also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using money and influence to encourage defections from the TMC.
The former West Bengal CM maintained that the departure of leaders pursuing personal interests would ultimately strengthen the party and aid its rebuilding process. She further warned that if the TMC was prevented from protesting in Kolkata, the movement could be expanded to Delhi.
