BJP's convoy attacked in Bengal, stones pelted at Nadda's car
Stones were pelted today at the vehicles of BJP President JP Nadda and National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya in West Bengal. They were on the way to Diamond Harbour to meet party workers, in what is seen as a preparation for 2021 Assembly polls. The latest incident prompted Bengal BJP Chief Dilip Ghosh to write to Home Minister Amit Shah. Here's what went down.
Dramatic videos showed what exactly happened
In a clip, Nadda was seen sitting inside the car and pointing toward the marks on the vehicle, as onlookers filmed the incident. As per reports, protesters, whom BJP supporters claim are aligned to ruling Trinamool Congress, also tried blocking the road which Nadda's car had taken. Separately, Vijayvargiya's car was also attacked. One dramatic visual showed that a brick landed inside the vehicle.
The clip can be viewed here
Bengal Police failed once again: Vijayvargiya
Sharing a clip of the incident, Vijayvargiya tweeted that the Bengal administration had already been notified about Nadda's plans. "But once again the Bengal Police failed. Trinamool's goons hit our workers and threw stones at my car in front of the police near Siracaul Bus Stand," he said. The street Vijayvargiya took was dotted with Trinamool supporters, with many waving the party's flag.
His tweet can be viewed here
Felt like we weren't in own country: BJP leader
"I have been injured in this attack. The party president's car was also attacked. We strongly condemn it. In the presence of police, goons attacked us. It felt as if we were not in our own country," Vijayvargiya said.
Safe because was traveling in bulletproof car: Nadda
Addressing workers at South 24 Paraganas, Nadda claimed there was not a single car in the convoy that wasn't attacked. "I am safe because I was traveling in a bulletproof car. This state of lawlessness and intolerance in West Bengal has to end," he said. Meanwhile, drumming up support for his party, Nadda said the lotus will bloom next year.
Bengal Governor criticized the incident, Ghosh wrote to Shah
Reacting to the incident, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said he was alarmed at the reports. "As a constitutional head, I share my shame with you as it is on account of your acts of omission and commission," Dhankhar tweeted. Shah reportedly asked for a report on the incident and Ghosh wrote to him. The latter alleged there was no police presence.
Allegedly, mob was present at BJP office in Kolkata
"At our party office at Hastings, Kolkata, there was a mob of 200 plus with sticks, bamboos, etc. demonstrating raising black flags. Some of them climbed on the cars parked outside the office and raised slogans," Ghosh wrote in a letter to Shah.
Meanwhile, Trinamool blamed BJP's anti-social elements
Trinamool, which has been accused of serious crimes today, attempted to junk all the allegations. Party leader Madan Mitra said there's only one face in Bengal — that of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "BJP's this visit is perhaps last to Bhowanipore as people and party workers are ready to give befitting reply. We saw what anti-socials of BJP are trying to do," he added.
