Violence Erupts in Bengal's Nandigram, BJP and TMC Trade Accusations; Security Beefed Up

Days ahead of the 6th phase of the all important 2024 Lok Sabha elections, violence broke out in Bengal’s Nandigram on Thursday over a protest of BJP workers owing to the death of the mother of a party worker. Tensions escalated hours after the mother of a BJP worker was killed and seven others were injured in an attack carried out by unidentified miscreants on Wednesday night. BJP cadres of that area have alleged that the attack was carried out by Trinamool Congress workers. Security has been beefed up to bring the situation under control and prevent further untoward flare ups.

Taking to the streets, BJP workers protested over the death of Rathirani Ari. They blockaded roads using trunks of trees, burnt tyres and torched shops, alleging that the attacks were carried out by Trinamool Congress workers. BJP cadres called for a bandh but that was later withdrawn. According to the police, the Ari was killed and several others were injured after unidentified bike borne assailants bearing sharp weapons attacked them late on Wednesday night.

“Ari and several other party workers were given the responsibility to guard a local polling booth last night. TMC-backed criminals attacked them. She was murdered and others were injured there," said Meghnad Paul, the BJP district general secretary.

In the political blame game that transpired out of the incident, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress accusing the party of orchestrating the attack. The TMC on the other hand has maintained that the fallout was a result of internal feuds within the folds of BJP.

Taking to social media platform “X”, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said, “BJP workers were guarding the booth in the Mansabazar area of Sonachura in Nandigram last night. At that time, the miscreants jumped on them with sharp weapons. Seven people were seriously injured by sharp weapons. Rathibala Ari lost her life...The Trinamool committed this barbaric murder knowing defeat for sure. These jihadists do not hesitate to kill a woman! The Bharatiya Janata Party will see the end of it, legally retaliated and democratically answered.”

Trianmool Congress leader Shantanu Sen dismissed Suvendu Adhikari’s allegations and stated that the incident has allegedly been orchestrated by BJP to malign the image of TMC. “The incident is fallout of BJP infighting in Nandigram. There are two BJP groups in Nandigram. The vote is on the 25th. BJP knows they will be defeated by TMC. It is pre-planned and they are firing from TMC’s shoulder to malign TMC. It is TMC’s administration…efforts are on to identify the culprits and anyone found involved will face the law,” said Shantanu Sen.