Tensions Rise in Bhabanipur: Trinamool and BJP Exchange Blame Over Poster Vandalism
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, March 21 (NationPress) Tensions escalated on Saturday in Bhabanipur, the constituency of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, following accusations that Trinamool Congress posters were vandalized. The governing party accused the BJP of orchestrating the act.
In contrast, the BJP contended that the situation arose from internal disputes within the Trinamool Congress itself. Both parties have filed separate complaints at Kalighat Police Station regarding the incident.
As per police reports, Trinamool Congress had strategically placed posters in various locations throughout Bhabanipur in advance of the upcoming Assembly elections.
On Saturday afternoon, allegations emerged accusing the BJP of tearing down these posters near Chakraberia Road.
This prompted local Trinamool members, led by Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Councillor Asim Basu, to organize a protest in front of Bhabanipur Police Station. They subsequently filed a formal complaint naming specific BJP workers.
Asim Basu stated: "We had installed these banners and posters after securing all necessary permissions. We later found that someone, or a group of individuals, had vandalized them. We promptly alerted the police, who arrived at the scene even before we did. When we reached, we discovered that not only had the ‘Boycott BJP’ posters been destroyed, but they also damaged the hoardings and banners we erected to support the Chief Minister's victory."
Earlier that day, the BJP had raised similar accusations, claiming that supporters of the Trinamool had damaged banners and posters featuring Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition. In response, the Trinamool Congress has filed a counter-accusation.
Bhabanipur is a crucial constituency in the forthcoming Assembly elections, with the BJP nominating Suvendu Adhikari alongside Nandigram. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also set to kick off her campaign from Bhabanipur on Monday. The unfolding political dynamics in this constituency will be closely watched.