Bharatiya Janata Party MP Khagen Murmu on Monday, 1 June categorically denied any BJP involvement in the attack on Trinamool Congress National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee, attributing the incident instead to mounting public resentment against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders in West Bengal. Murmu's remarks came days after Banerjee was allegedly attacked during a visit to Sonarpur on 30 May, where he had gone to meet families affected by post-poll violence.

BJP's Position on the Attack

Murmu was unequivocal in distancing his party from the incident, stating that such conduct was inconsistent with the BJP's political culture. 'This kind of drama is not something the BJP does, nor has it ever done,' he said, adding that the party leadership had already issued a formal clarification. He further stated that if any individual associated with the BJP was found to have engaged in misconduct, strict disciplinary action would follow.

He argued that the TMC, which has governed West Bengal for 15 years, had itself built a legacy of political violence and intimidation — and was now experiencing a popular backlash as a consequence.

What Murmu Alleged Against TMC

Going beyond the immediate incident, Murmu levelled broader accusations against the ruling party. 'Many of these people were involved in corruption, violence and wrongdoing. They looted public resources. There were attacks on women, incidents of rape and murders. Because of all this, no Trinamool Congress leader can escape accountability today,' he said. He added that the media was now exposing these realities and that even ordinary TMC workers had, at times, engaged in hooliganism.

Other BJP Leaders Weigh In

Several other BJP voices added to the political exchange. West Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh characterised the incident as theatre rather than a genuine attack. 'Everyone has seen what happened. No one hit or pushed him; it was merely drama,' Ghosh said, suggesting Banerjee should be mindful of his own conduct and safety.

Bihar minister Ram Kripal Yadav echoed a similar line, framing the episode as an expression of public anger. 'The misdeeds committed by TMC leaders, the atrocities they have carried out and the corruption they have been involved in have angered the people of West Bengal. That is why some people, out of anger, are throwing objects at Abhishek Banerjee, and Kalyan Banerjee, too, is facing the consequences of this public resentment,' Yadav said.

What Happened at Sonarpur

According to reports, Abhishek Banerjee's convoy was targeted by protesters at Sonarpur in West Bengal on 30 May. Demonstrators allegedly hurled stones, eggs, and shoes at the motorcade. Banerjee's shirt was reportedly torn and his spectacles damaged during the confrontation. He had been visiting the area to meet families displaced or affected by post-poll violence.

Political Fallout and What Comes Next

The incident has sharpened the already bitter rivalry between the BJP and the TMC ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested political season in West Bengal. The TMC has accused the BJP of orchestrating the attack, a charge the BJP has flatly rejected. With both sides now trading allegations of violence and corruption, the episode is likely to fuel further escalation. How the state administration responds — and whether any arrests follow — will be closely watched in the coming days.