‘Utterly condemnable!’ Akhilesh Yadav alleges 'major conspiracy' after attack on Abhishek Banerjee

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday condemned the alleged attack on Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee during his visit to Sonarpur, alleging a "major conspiracy" behind the incident and questioning the absence of police arrangements.

Reacting to the developments, Yadav took to X and wrote, "By orchestrating a murderous attack on Shri Abhishek Banerjee ji, a key leader of the Trinamool Congress in Bengal, the anarchic BJP government in Bengal has proven that the BJP is capable of nothing but hate-filled, negative, violent politics. Even in such a sensitive environment, the absence of police arrangements points to a major conspiracy. Utterly condemnable!"

Abhishek Banerjee faces protests in Sonarpur

The reaction came after Banerjee faced protests during a visit to Sonarpur on Saturday.

According to reports, demonstrators surrounded the Trinamool leader, raised slogans against him and hurled eggs as he entered the area. Protesters also showed black flags near Kamalgazi while his convoy was on its way to the residence of a party worker who was allegedly attacked. The situation escalated after Banerjee reached the locality where the party worker lived. His vehicle was reportedly stopped by protesters, forcing him to get out and attempt to continue his journey on a motorcycle.

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Amid the chaos, allegations emerged that Banerjee was physically assaulted by people in the crowd. Reports also claimed that his shirt was torn during the incident.

Security personnel reportedly made him wear a helmet as a precaution while moving through the area.

Abhishek Banerjee vows legal action

Reacting to the incident, Abhishek Banerjee said he would approach the courts over what transpired during his visit to Sonarpur and accused the administration of failing to provide adequate security.

"I will move the High Court and the Supreme Court over this incident. In the last 15 years, such an incident has never happened. I do not expect any security from this government. Bulldozers are brought in overnight, but I do not expect protection. I will stand by the victim's family," Banerjee said.

Mallikarjun Kharge condemns attack

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the incident and called for adequate security for opposition leaders.

Taking to X, Kharge wrote, "Strongly condemn the shocking attack on MP Shri Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur, as he went to meet the families affected by post-poll violence in the state."

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"The deliberate lack of adequate police protection for a prominent Opposition leader speaks volumes about the BJP’s politics of vendetta and persecution. The Government of West Bengal and the Union Government must ensure security for all Opposition leaders and take immediate steps to prevent such attacks. Political differences can never justify any kind of violence."

The incident has sparked sharp political reactions, with opposition leaders condemning the alleged attack and raising concerns over the security arrangements during Banerjee's visit to Sonarpur.