‘Why meet a defector?’ TMC workers protest Bankim Hazra's visit to BJP leader in South 24 Pgs

Sundarbans Development Minister and Sagar MLA Bankim Chandra Hazra faced strong protests in his own assembly constituency, triggering political tension in the coastal region. The incident occurred in Rajnagar area of Namkhana block when the minister went to meet a former Trinamool Congress leader who had defected to the BJP. A section of local Trinamool workers opposed the visit, leading to chaos and unrest in the area.

As the protest intensified, slogans were raised against the minister and his convoy was obstructed. The situation deteriorated rapidly, forcing security personnel to intervene. Amid rising tension, Hazra was compelled to abandon his car and leave the area on a motorcycle to avoid further escalation, according to local accounts.

The controversy centres on Biren Giri, a former Trinamool leader from Rajnagar who had quit the party and joined the BJP during the panchayat elections. Giri had later filed court cases against several Trinamool workers and supporters. Local party workers questioned why the minister chose to meet a leader who had switched sides and taken legal action against party members, sparking the protest and deepening internal discontent.