Why is BJP Protesting in Kolkata Against the 'Anti-Tribal' Actions of Trinamool Government?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The BJP's protest highlights the ongoing issues faced by tribal communities in West Bengal.
- Participants expressed their grievances against the Trinamool government.
- Tribal leaders are increasingly reporting assaults, raising concerns over their safety.
- The BJP plans to escalate its movement if demands are not addressed.
- Political tensions in the region are impacting community relations and safety.
Kolkata, Oct 15 (NationPress) The BJP organized a protest march on Wednesday in Central Kolkata, denouncing the assault on their tribal MP Khagen Murmu and calling for decisive action against those responsible.
The rally commenced from College Square in north Kolkata, proceeding to Dorina Crossing in central Kolkata. Participants carried traditional tribal weapons like bows and arrows, symbolizing their heritage.
Demonstrators voiced their opposition to the Mamata Banerjee administration, highlighting what they termed “atrocities” committed against tribal communities across the state.
Among the attendees were BJP leaders, MPs, MLAs, and numerous representatives from the tribal population.
Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER, Sukanta Majumdar, condemned the attack on Murmu that transpired earlier this month in Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri. He declared, "We have given the police a month to apprehend the true offenders behind the Nagrakata incident. If they fail, the BJP will escalate our movement and respond robustly to the injustices faced by our leaders. The BJP will not be intimidated or cornered."
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, expressed, "For months, we have endured political hostility throughout the state. This government is anti-tribal. Today’s protest is just the beginning of our movement. To seek retribution, we must change the government in Bengal. If a government shift occurs after the 2026 Assembly elections, we will reclaim our power."
BJP state figures including Shankar Ghosh, Locket Chatterjee, and Rahul Sinha were present at the event.
They accused the administration of ignoring rising assaults on tribal leaders and claimed that miscreants aligned with the Trinamool Congress are targeting the tribal community as part of a “political vendetta.”
During the rally, BJP MP Locket Chatterjee stated, "The tribal women in our state are suffering from abuse. While the government professes to prioritize women's welfare, the reality is a continuous cycle of attacks and oppression. The BJP will not silently tolerate this injustice."
BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh, who was also attacked in Nagrakata alongside Murmu, remarked, "In a state where even public officials like Khagen Murmu are unsafe, it’s unimaginable how secure ordinary citizens feel. The Chief Minister must act decisively, not just in words but in action."
Earlier this month, Murmu and Ghosh were met with hostility when they attempted to provide assistance to flood victims in Nagrakata. They faced an onslaught from a large crowd armed with sticks and shoes, who hurled stones at their vehicle. Murmu suffered serious injuries, necessitating hospitalization for both leaders.
Two days after the incident, several arrests were made.