BJP's campaign toto vandalized, driver beaten in Baruipur ahead of PM Modi's rally

Tension gripped Baruipur on Friday night after a Bharatiya Janata Party campaign vehicle was allegedly attacked just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to address a rally in the area. The incident occurred in the Kalyanpur gram panchayat region of Baruipur West Assembly constituency, where a toto (e-rickshaw) being used for campaigning was reportedly vandalised and its driver assaulted.

According to BJP allegations, the driver, identified as Ajay Halder, was campaigning from Chandipur towards Chakberia when a group blocked his vehicle near Chakrabedia. He was allegedly forced to get down and beaten with sticks, while the e-rickshaw sustained significant damage. The party further claimed that banners and flex posters featuring the Prime Minister were torn down and thrown away during the incident.

Upon receiving information, BJP candidate Bishwajit Pal reached the spot late at night and lodged a formal complaint at the local police station. He accused the ruling All India Trinamool Congress of orchestrating the attack, alleging that such actions reflected fear of losing political ground. He also stated that those involved would be identified and face legal consequences.

The Trinamool Congress, however, rejected the allegations, with local leadership terming them baseless and suggesting the possibility of internal disputes within the BJP. Following the incident, a heavy police presence was deployed across the area, and security arrangements were tightened around the rally venue. Despite the measures, tension continued to prevail in the region ahead of the Prime Minister’s event.