Violent clash at CPM Tollygunge conference over expulsion of leader, Facebook controversy

A violent clash broke out during the CPM's Tollygunge Area-2 Committee conference, triggered by internal divisions over the formation of a new committee. The dispute began as a verbal altercation between factions but quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, with members exchanging blows in front of conference attendees. The Kolkata District Committee leadership was forced to intervene, attempting to defuse the situation, but the altercation disrupted proceedings and temporarily halted the conference. The violence underscored the deepening rift within the party, particularly regarding leadership choices.

The immediate cause of the unrest stemmed from the expulsion of a young leader from Ward No. 98. The leader, who had been accused of harassing two women, was expelled by the party leadership just days before the conference. During the event, Gautam Guha Roy, an Area Committee member, sparked further controversy when he went live on Facebook to accuse the expelled leader of detaining and assaulting the two women who had accused him. Guha Roy’s live broadcast continued for some time before he abruptly stopped it, but the damage had already been done. His actions were met with criticism from several party members, who questioned the decision to publicly support an expelled leader and the propriety of airing internal issues on social media.

Tensions escalated further when party members raised concerns over Guha Roy’s actions, with some questioning how a committee member could openly support someone who had been expelled for serious allegations. During the heated discussions, several party members clashed, and sources report that during the conference, Vibhu Chattopadhyay, a member of the Area Committee, physically assaulted Shubhajit Das, another member of the committee. This incident of violence added fuel to the already tense atmosphere, with party leaders struggling to maintain control and prevent further confrontations.

As the conference continued, the incident became a point of contention on social media, drawing criticism from rival political parties. Trinamool Congress leaders, in particular, seized on the opportunity to attack CPM, accusing the party of internal chaos. Arup Chakraborty, a TMC leader, took to Facebook, writing, “The CPI(M) has turned into a circus. It’s hard to tell if it’s a party or a breeding ground for scandals.” The altercation and the ensuing controversy over internal discipline have raised concerns about the CPM’s ability to maintain unity and effectively manage internal conflicts. The expulsion of the leader, combined with the violent outburst at the conference, has cast a shadow over the party's future leadership and its internal workings.

The expulsion of the young leader had been a significant issue, with the allegations against him being widely discussed within the party. According to reports, the leader had been accused of sexual harassment by two women, leading to his ouster from the party. However, the decision to expel him had sparked a debate within the party, with some members expressing support for the leader, while others believed the expulsion was necessary for the party’s image and discipline. This division among members contributed to the volatile atmosphere at the conference.