BJP clash with cops at Exide More, Locket Chatterjee and several workers detained

Tensions flared at Kolkata’s Exide More on Monday as BJP’s youth wing attempted to launch its ‘Kalighat Chalo Abhijan’ protesting the Supreme Court-ordered cancellation of 26,000 SSC jobs. Police had set up barricades early in the day and deployed heavy forces in anticipation of unrest. Before the rally could begin, BJP supporters reportedly tried to break through the barricades, leading to physical scuffles. Several workers were detained on the spot.

Among those detained were BJP MP Locket Chatterjee and party leader Falguni Patra. Both were taken to Lalbazar before the rally formally commenced. BJP alleged that its members were dragged and forced into police vans. Supporters also claimed that some individuals unaffiliated with the rally were wrongfully detained. As the situation escalated, BJP workers raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The protest disrupted traffic and movement in central Kolkata. Earlier in the day, Mamata Banerjee held a meeting with the terminated SSC candidates at Netaji Indoor Stadium. BJP's demonstration at Exide More coincided with state-wide protests by the party over the SSC issue. The rally did not proceed beyond the starting point, and the total number of arrests remains unconfirmed.