Congress Criticizes Alleged 'Assault' on Abhishek Banerjee, Accuses BJP of Political Retaliation

The Congress party has voiced strong condemnation following an alleged assault on Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur, West Bengal. The attack, purportedly carried out by locals, accompanied by physical aggression and derogatory chants, has been interpreted by Congress as a reflection of the BJP's retaliatory and persecutory politics.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge decried the inadequate police presence during the incident, urging both the central and state governments to ensure the safety of all opposition figures. This call was echoed by Manickam Tagore, who asked for intervention from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The party emphasized that political disagreements should never incite violence.

Footage showed Banerjee exiting the chaos with apparent distress, asserting that the episode was premeditated despite the absence of adequate security. Meanwhile, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya suggested the confrontation was the result of pent-up local resentment, highlighting yet another layer to the politically charged climate in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)