New Delhi: Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday hit out at the BJP over an alleged attack on the residence of her nephew and TMC
leader Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata. She also accused the BJP of disrupting traditional Kali Puja celebrations in the Kalighat area.
Mamata visited Abhishek after the incident and strongly criticised the alleged use of force against his residence. Taking on the BJP, she said, “How many bulldozers do you have? Come, I am standing right in front of you. Run the bulldozers over my body, my chest. I want to see how courageous you are.”
The remarks came hours after Abhishek alleged that BJP-backed goons attacked his residence on Kalighat Road at around 2 am following a clash involving supporters of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction. The Diamond Harbour MP described the incident as a life-threatening attack.
Abhishek alleges seventh attempt on his life
Sharing his account on X, Abhishek alleged that his residence was targeted after two days of surveillance. He wrote, “After two days of continuous recce, this is how BJP hooligans attacked my house at 2 AM today. Watch the footage and see for yourself. If this is what can happen to an elected Member of Parliament, imagine the plight of the common man in WB. This is the seventh attempt on my life in the last six months. Yet, there has been no police action and no judicial intervention.”
Mamata also raised the issue of Kali Puja celebrations in Kalighat, alleging that permissions for some traditional pujas had been withdrawn while a newly organised puja was allowed to take place on the main road.
Mamata questions Kali Puja restrictions
Questioning the decision, Mamata said the area has traditionally been used as a route for Kali Puja processions. She asked why celebrations were being disrupted ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali.
She further alleged that local clubs had been stopped from carrying out their activities and accused the BJP of creating disturbances in the locality through hooliganism. Mamata also questioned why the newly organised puja was being held on the main road when it had traditionally taken place inside a premises. She claimed the move had blocked access to their own celebration.
The former Chief Minister once again challenged the BJP over the alleged use of bulldozers, saying she was prepared to face them rather than allow such actions to continue.
