West Bengal political tensions rise after attacks on AITC leaders

Political tensions have escalated in West Bengal following two separate incidents involving members of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).

In South 24 Parganas, AITC accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of a ‘politics of intimidation’ after Baruipur Purba MLA Bibhas Sardar was allegedly attacked and threatened while returning home. The AITC claimed the attackers made death threats related to Sardar’s support for Mamata Banerjee. The BJP has denied involvement, and police are investigating.

Separately, a police complaint was filed alleging a woman attempted a knife attack on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee near her residence in Kolkata. The incident occurred while Banerjee was attending a local Durga Puja event. The accused woman, described by AITC leaders as an intoxicated individual known to the locality, was detained. AITC leaders have raised concerns regarding security for the Z-plus category protectee and have called for a thorough investigation into whether the incident was a conspiracy.