BJP gherao 'New TMC' MLA Sandipan Saha's house in Entally, protest over 'cut money'

BJP workers and supporters staged a protest outside the residence of MLA Sandeepan Saha in Kolkata on Thursday, raising allegations of corruption, illegal construction, commission-taking, and extortion against him and his father, former MLA Swarnakamal Saha. The demonstration took place a day after the rebel “New Trinamool” faction secured recognition as the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly.

The protest was led by BJP leader Priyanka Tibrewal, who joined party workers in a march through the Entally area before reaching Sandeepan Saha’s residence. Demonstrators carried posters and banners highlighting the allegations against Sandeepan and Swarnakamal Saha and raised slogans during the protest. Some protesters also chanted slogans accusing the MLA of wrongdoing.

According to the BJP, both Sandeepan Saha and Swarnakamal Saha were involved in corruption, illegal construction activities, collection of cut money, and extortion. The party said the demonstration was organized to demand action regarding these allegations.

The protest came shortly after the formation and recognition of the rebel “New Trinamool” faction in the Assembly. Ritabrata Banerjee was named Leader of the Opposition, while Sandeepan Saha was appointed one of the deputy leaders of the group. Sandeepan and Ritabrata were among the first legislators to publicly dissent from the Trinamool Congress leadership and were later expelled from the party. The rebel faction subsequently secured recognition after claiming the support of 58 MLAs.

Sandeepan Saha played a prominent role in the formation of the new faction. Following the demonstration, Swarnakamal Saha rejected the allegations raised by the BJP and criticized Priyanka Tibrewal, stating that the protest was motivated by frustration following electoral defeat.