BJP's Ashok Kirtaniya stages dharna after ‘attack’ during Bangaon campaign; TMC workers blamed

Tension escalated in West Bengal’s Bangaon North Assembly constituency after BJP candidate Ashok Kirtaniya alleged that he was attacked during an election campaign in Ward No. 14 under Bangaon Municipality on Thursday morning. Following the incident, Kirtaniya staged a sit-in protest in front of Bangaon police station along with party workers and supporters, demanding action.

According to the BJP candidate, the incident occurred while he was campaigning in the area when Trinamool Congress councillor Papi Raha and some party workers allegedly assaulted him and his supporters. Kirtaniya further claimed that a ceremonial garland associated with the Matua Gosai ritual was torn during the scuffle, adding a religious dimension to the controversy.

After the alleged attack, Kirtaniya and his supporters blocked the road and began a dharna outside the police station, accusing the administration of failing to ensure a safe campaigning environment. Meanwhile, women residents of Ward No. 14 presented a different version, claiming they had not seen their MLA in the area for the past five years and were attacked after questioning him during the visit. The situation remains tense, with no official confirmation yet on the sequence of events.