Election Commission Demands Report from Kolkata Police on Trinamool-BJP Violence
Synopsis
The Election Commission has called for an in-depth report from Kolkata Police regarding clashes between the Trinamool Congress and BJP, following violent incidents near Minister Shashi Panja's residence ahead of a significant rally.
Key Takeaways
The Election Commission is investigating violent clashes between political parties.
Central paramilitary forces are deployed to ensure safety during elections.
Minister Shashi Panja's residence was attacked during the unrest.
Accusations fly between the Trinamool Congress and BJP regarding the violence.
Several police personnel were injured while managing the situation.
Kolkata, March 14 (NationPress) - The Election Commission (EC) has requested a comprehensive report from Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar regarding the violent confrontations between the Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the city.
The EC is also investigating the assault on West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja's home that occurred in the wake of these clashes, as confirmed by a senior official from the state government.
Additionally, the poll panel has demanded clarification on why central paramilitary forces, already stationed in the state for the imminent Assembly elections, were not deployed to manage the unrest.
It's important to note that thirty companies of central police forces are currently present in Kolkata to ensure peace and order as the Assembly elections approach.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally drew near, stones were reportedly thrown at Minister Shashi Panja's residence in the Girish Park area of Kolkata.
Workers from the Trinamool Congress alleged that the BJP activists were responsible for these attacks while heading towards Prime Minister Modi's rally at the Brigade Parade Ground.
Minister Panja claimed she was also a victim during the incident.
The BJP, in turn, accused Trinamool Congress workers of hurling bricks at their supporters as they marched through the Girish Park area.
This area turned chaotic following these events.
In response to the situation, police from the Bowbazar Police Station and the Rapid Action Force quickly arrived at the scene.
While working to restore order, Bappaditya Naskar, the Officer-in-Charge of Bowbazar Police Station, suffered injuries from bricks thrown during the clash; several other officers were also hurt.
Victim Minister Panja stated, "Today, on their way to the Brigade rally, or should I say the 'B-Grade' rally, BJP workers wreaked havoc right outside my home. As we were putting up flex banners, a group of thugs wearing BJP caps, who had arrived in a bus, turned aggressive while chanting 'Jai Shri Ram'."
Point of View
Illustrating a deeply divided political landscape.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Election Commission to seek a report?
The Election Commission sought a report following violent clashes between the Trinamool Congress and BJP in Kolkata, particularly concerning an attack on Minister Shashi Panja's residence.
How many companies of central police forces are deployed in Kolkata?
Thirty companies of central police forces are currently stationed in Kolkata to maintain law and order ahead of the Assembly elections.
What incidents occurred during the clashes?
Incidents included stone-pelting at Minister Shashi Panja's home and accusations between the Trinamool Congress and BJP regarding violence against each other's supporters.
Who was injured during the clashes?
Bappaditya Naskar, the Officer-in-Charge of Bowbazar Police Station, and several other police personnel were injured while trying to control the situation.
What were the political reactions to these events?
Both parties have accused each other of inciting violence, with the BJP claiming Trinamool workers attacked their activists, while the Trinamool accused BJP supporters of aggression.
