West Bengal election: Suvendu Adhikari's convoy attacked in Nandigram
Amid phase two of polling in West Bengal, the convoy of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari was attacked on Thursday afternoon. Stones were reportedly hurled at Adhikari's convoy in the Satengabari area in Nandigram. Nandigram is the epicenter of the West Bengal elections where Adhikari is contesting against state Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee. Here are more details.
Adhikari escaped unhurt; media vehicle sustained damage
According to India Today, stones were hurled toward Adhikari's vehicle, however, the BJP leader managed to escape unhurt. A media vehicle following Adhikari's vehicle was reportedly damaged. Separately, reports of an alleged attack on the convoy of BJP's Pritishranjan Konar, a candidate from Keshpur in West Midnapore, have also surfaced. Konar's convoy was also attacked on Thursday.
Adhikari blames Banerjee for attack
After the incident, Adhikari told reporters, "People hurled stones from paddy fields," India Today reported. Blaming his Nandigram rival Banerjee, Adhikari added, "People of one community, illiterate, are doing this after being incited by Mamata Banerjee." Speaking to the publication, the BJP leader also praised the central forces for providing security. He said, "The central paramilitary forces have done a splendid job."
BJP President's convoy was attacked in Bengal last December
Notably, back in December, the convoy of BJP National President JP Nadda was also attacked in West Bengal. Nadda's convoy was attacked while he was on his way to Diamond Harbour to address a public meeting. Congress workers were blamed for the attack.
Adhikari cast vote from Nandanayak Bar Primary School
Earlier in the day, Adhikari rode a motorcycle to the Nandanayak Bar Primary School to cast his vote in Nandigram. After casting his vote, Adhikari told reporters that all of Nandigram had come out to vote in the favor of the saffron party. "I have a very old relationship with the people of the area," he said. Nandigram is notably Adhikari's stronghold.
Second phase of polling underway in West Bengal
People in 30 Assembly constituencies are voting in the second phase of the Bengal elections on Thursday. The first phase was held on March 27 across 30 seats. Six other phases in the eight-phase election will be held on April 6 (to be held in 31 Assembly constituencies), April 10 (44), April 17 (45), April 22 (43), April 26 (36), and April 29 (35).
