BJP erupts in statewide protests over alleged attack on Suvendu Adhikari in Baruipur

Protests broke out across West Bengal on Thursday after BJP accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of attacking Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in Baruipur. BJP workers staged demonstrations in multiple districts, including North Kolkata and Bidhannagar. In North Kolkata, party workers burned tires near Murali Dhar Sen Lane, while in Bidhannagar, a rally was taken out in Karunamoyee, leading to a blockade at the Karunamoyee crossing. Protesters raised slogans against the state government, demanding action. When police intervened to clear the blockade, a scuffle broke out, and the situation remained tense for a prolonged period.

Inside the West Bengal Assembly, BJP MLAs disrupted proceedings, demanding a statement from the government on the alleged attack. They waved black flags, tore documents, and staged a protest in the well of the House. BJP members accused Speaker Biman Banerjee and the local TMC MLA of involvement in the incident. Following the uproar, Speaker Banerjee suspended Suvendu Adhikari for tearing official documents. Outside the Assembly, BJP workers intensified their protest, burning an effigy of the Speaker and continuing their demonstrations.

BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh raised the issue inside the House, stating that over 50 BJP leaders, including Adhikari, were put in a life-threatening situation during their event in Baruipur. He claimed that the event had prior police permission, yet security was allegedly compromised. The opposition demanded an official response from the state government, questioning how such an incident occurred despite prior intimation. However, Speaker Banerjee did not make any reference to a government statement during the session.

Trinamool Congress leaders, including Chandrima Bhattacharya and Apurba Sarkar, participated in the ongoing discussion on the Appropriation Bill during the session. Responding to the BJP’s protest, Bhattacharya said, "They are fools. They don’t know what they are doing. That’s why they are playing this role." The Speaker commented, "They have become too impatient for the chair. In a democracy, you don’t get such a chair like this." BJP legislators continued their protest for 32 minutes before staging a walkout.