Kolkata, May 31: Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), describing the recent assault on him in Sonarpur as an act of “political violence and state-sponsored terrorism.” The TMC leader also expressed gratitude to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for extending support and condemning the incident.
Taking to the social media platform X, Banerjee thanked Rahul Gandhi for standing by him during what he termed a politically motivated attack.
“Thank you, Rahul ji, for your concern and constant support. We stand united and resolute in our fight to protect the soul of India, defend its democratic institutions, and uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution,” Banerjee wrote.
Drawing a contrast between his role in representing India abroad and the attack he allegedly faced at home, Banerjee recalled his participation in the Centre’s diplomatic outreach programme following Operation Sindoor.
“Last year, I travelled across five countries representing India as part of the all-party delegation for Operation Sindoor. I defended my country and stood united against terrorism. Today, I stand as a victim of political violence and state-sponsored terrorism unleashed by those who claim to be the guardians of nationalism. This is the reality of today’s BJP,” he said.
The TMC leader further accused the ruling party of targeting political opponents and suppressing dissenting voices.
“If you support them, you are a patriot. If you question them, you become a target. If you stand with them, you are celebrated. If you stand against them, they try to silence you,” Banerjee alleged.
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic values, he asserted that intimidation would not deter him from speaking out against what he described as authoritarian tendencies.
“I would rather face intimidation while defending democracy than enjoy comfort by surrendering my principles. Power is temporary. The will of the people is permanent. I will bow only before the people, never before those in power,” he stated.
Banerjee also vowed to continue fighting against forces that, according to him, seek to divide the country and weaken democratic institutions.
“We will continue our fight against those who seek to weaken democracy and divide our nation. India stands united, and together we will ensure that the politics of fear, hatred, violence and intimidation is defeated, and that the voice of the people prevails,” he added.
His remarks came in response to a strongly worded statement by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who condemned the attack and termed it an assault on democratic values.
“The attack on MP Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur is utterly reprehensible. An attack on a Member of Parliament is not merely an assault on one individual—it is an assault on the very people who elected him, and on the democracy that is our shared legacy,” Gandhi posted on X.
The Congress leader further accused the BJP of promoting a politics of vendetta.
“This is the ugly face of the BJP’s politics of revenge. Political differences can never justify violence,” Gandhi said.
He also called upon both the Central and West Bengal governments to take swift action against those responsible for the incident and ensure the safety of elected representatives irrespective of party affiliation.
“The central government and the West Bengal government must take immediate action against the perpetrators and ensure that no public representative, regardless of their party, ever has to worry about their safety,” Gandhi stated.
Extending his support, Gandhi added, “Abhishek, my thoughts are with you and your family. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
The political controversy erupted after Banerjee was allegedly attacked with bricks, stones, and eggs while visiting families affected by post-poll violence in Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district on Saturday. The TMC leader reportedly suffered injuries near his eye during the incident.
Banerjee has alleged that the attack was orchestrated by BJP supporters and claimed that there was an attempt on his life. He further accused the police of failing to provide adequate security despite the sensitive nature of his visit.
The incident has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the TMC and the BJP, with both parties trading accusations over law and order, political violence and the safety of public representatives in West Bengal.
