Trinamool protests erupt across West Bengal after attack on Mamata Banerjee in Bijpur
Synopsis
Mamata Banerjee's convoy was pelted with shoes, mud, bricks and stones in Bijpur after she visited the family of a TMC worker who died in police custody. Now her faction is taking the fight statewide — with block-level marches on Monday marking the first real test of whether the Banerjee-led TMC can mobilise beyond Kolkata in a deeply fractured political moment.
Key Takeaways
The Trinamool Congress minority faction has called statewide protests on Monday, 10 August , following the alleged attack on former CM Mamata Banerjee in Bijpur .
Processions are to be held in every block across West Bengal after 2 pm , with party MLAs also protesting inside the state Assembly.
Birju Keot , a TMC worker and husband of a party councillor, died in police custody on 8 August ; his family alleged he was beaten to death.
Banerjee's convoy was reportedly pelted with shoes, mud, bricks and stones; she blamed BJP -backed miscreants for the attack.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denied BJP involvement and drew criticism for suggesting Banerjee wear a headset in public.
The minority faction of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has called for statewide protest rallies on Monday, 10 August, following an alleged attack on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during her visit to Bijpur in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Sunday. The demonstrations are set to span every block in the state, marking a significant expansion of the Banerjee-led faction's agitation beyond its earlier Kolkata-centric focus.
What Happened in Bijpur
On Sunday afternoon, Mamata Banerjee — a three-time former Chief Minister — travelled to Bijpur accompanied by two party MPs to meet the family of Birju Keot, a Trinamool Congress worker who died in police custody on Saturday, 8 August. Birju's family alleged he was beaten to death in the lock-up. He had been arrested over charges including extortion; his wife, Jenny Sharma Keot, is a Trinamool councillor who had resigned from the Kanchrapara Municipality.
On the way to the family's residence, Banerjee's convoy reportedly encountered spontaneous public outrage. It is alleged that shoes and mud were hurled at her vehicle, and that bricks and stones were also thrown at the car. Banerjee claimed that BJP-backed miscreants were responsible, adding that had the windows been open, she could have suffered a head injury or even lost her life.
The Party's Response
According to a party insider, district leaders have been directed to organise processions in every block after 2 pm on Monday. Party MLAs who have not joined the rebel camp are also expected to register their protest inside the state Assembly. The move signals an effort by the Banerjee-led faction to reconnect with grassroots workers in districts and galvanise activists who have so far remained on the sidelines.
This comes amid an already turbulent period for the party. After the Assembly results were announced, Banerjee staged a dharna on 2 June at the Y channel in Kolkata to protest against post-poll violence and the eviction of hawkers — but that agitation remained largely confined to the city.
What the Government Said
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday evening flatly denied any BJP involvement in the protests against Banerjee. In remarks that drew sharp criticism, Adhikari suggested that Banerjee should wear a headset when stepping out in public — so she would not have to hear crowds chanting 'thief'. The comment was widely seen as a political provocation rather than a measured response to a law-and-order situation.
What's Next
The statewide protests on Monday will test the organisational strength of the Banerjee-led TMC faction outside Kolkata. With the party navigating an internal split and a hostile state government, the response on the ground could determine the momentum of its broader movement in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
A faction leader without state power, and now a target of street anger that her opponents are happy to amplify. The government's dismissive response — Adhikari's headset quip — signals that the ruling dispensation sees little political cost in escalation. The real question is whether Monday's block-level marches translate into sustained organisational revival or remain a one-day show. A fractured TMC mobilising outside Kolkata for the first time in this cycle is significant; whether it holds together under pressure from both the rebel camp and the state machinery is the story to watch.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Mamata Banerjee in Bijpur?
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's convoy was allegedly attacked on Sunday afternoon in Bijpur, North 24 Parganas, when she went to meet the family of a TMC worker who died in police custody. It is alleged that shoes, mud, bricks and stones were hurled at her vehicle; Banerjee claimed BJP-backed miscreants were responsible.
Why did Mamata Banerjee visit Bijpur?
Banerjee travelled to Bijpur to meet the family of Birju Keot, a Trinamool Congress worker who died in police custody on 8 August. His family alleged he was beaten to death after being arrested on charges including extortion.
What protests has Trinamool Congress planned?
The Banerjee-led TMC faction has called for processions in every block across West Bengal after 2 pm on Monday, 10 August. Party MLAs not aligned with the rebel camp are also expected to protest inside the state Assembly.
What did Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari say about the attack?
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denied that any BJP members were involved in the protests against Banerjee. He also suggested that Banerjee should wear a headset in public so she would not have to hear crowds chanting 'thief' — remarks widely criticised as politically provocative.
Why is this protest significant for Trinamool Congress?
The statewide rallies mark the first time the Banerjee-led TMC faction has attempted to mobilise beyond Kolkata since its agitation began. The party is navigating an internal split and is seeking to reconnect with district-level workers and activists, making Monday's turnout a key test of its grassroots strength.
