What Caused the BJP Infighting Over the CAA Camp Attack?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Supporters of MLA Ambika Roy accused of vandalizing a CAA camp.
- Ambika Roy denies allegations and claims no connection to the camp.
- The incident highlights growing infighting within the BJP.
- Trinamool Congress comments on the internal conflict among BJP factions.
- Local BJP leaders mention a misunderstanding rather than a conflict.
Kolkata, Oct 23 (NationPress) Supporters of a BJP MLA have been implicated in the destruction of a camp established for processing applications related to the revised Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the Kalyani region of Nadia district, inaugurated by Union Minister Shantanu Thakur.
BJP MLA Ambika Roy has refuted these claims, asserting that he was absent during the incident and emphasized that the BJP has no affiliation with that camp.
Reports indicate that a support camp for the CAA was launched near the BJP party office, 'Syamaprasad Bhavan', in Kalyani's Central Park. This office was inaugurated by Shantanu Thakur on October 22. However, in the early hours of Thursday, followers of MLA Ambika Roy allegedly assaulted the camp office, leading to vandalism and destruction of furniture. Several individuals present were also reportedly assaulted.
A victim named Rohan Sau sustained injuries during the incident, stating, "The MLA's associates attacked us unprovoked. We were beaten badly, with five of us injured. We were simply assisting at the camp office inaugurated by Shantanu Thakur."
In response, the BJP MLA claimed, "Numerous individuals were consuming alcohol and engaging in anti-social behavior at night. When locals confronted them, a scuffle ensued. I have heard that only a minor altercation took place. The BJP has no ties to this incident; our workers did not destroy the camp."
This occurrence has sparked concern regarding the escalating rift within the BJP.
Vikas Ghosh, the president of BJP's Bangaon organizational district, stated, "This is not a party event. There is no conflict between factions. A local misunderstanding has occurred."
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has criticized the BJP following this event. The party's Ranaghat organizational district president, Debashis Gangopadhyay, remarked, "The MP faction and the MLA faction are in conflict for their interests. Miscreants from both sides have clashed. The police will act according to the law."