BJP Worker Injured in Clash Between Rival Factions Over Feast in Kolkata
Kolkata, August 23: A BJP worker sustained a head injury early Sunday morning following a clash between two rival groups of the party's local unit in Anandapur, located on the south-eastern fringes of the city. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over hosting a community feast, police said.
According to a senior police officer, both groups staged demonstrations outside the Anandapur police station after the incident, which occurred at Anandapur playground around dawn. The injured worker was identified as a local party member, and he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
The police have registered a case and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify those involved in the clash. No arrests have been made so far, and an investigation is underway.
Local BJP leader Arun Biswal claimed that the feast was organised without the party leadership's approval. He further alleged that local fish and mutton traders were pressurised into making contributions for the event. “Those who are behind the feast joined the party after May 4. They took money from traders,” Mr. Biswal said.
The allegations of extortion have been noted by the police, who said they would examine the claims as part of the investigation. However, no formal complaint regarding extortion has been filed yet.
Party workers in the area remain divided over the issue, with one faction supporting the feast as a community outreach initiative and the other opposing it as an unauthorised activity. The internal rift has raised concerns about discipline within the local party unit, especially in the run-up to upcoming municipal elections.
Political analysts point out that such internal conflicts are not uncommon in competitive party environments, but they can undermine organisational coherence. The BJP leadership in West Bengal has not issued an official statement on the matter yet.
Meanwhile, local residents expressed dismay over the early morning disturbance. “We heard loud noises and saw people arguing near the playground. It is unfortunate that a community event turned violent,” said a nearby shopkeeper who wished to remain anonymous.
The police have urged both groups to maintain peace and resolve their differences through dialogue. Additional forces have been deployed in the area to prevent any further escalation.
