Kolkata Airport Clash: TMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee Allegedly Targeted

Kolkata: A confrontation between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Friday night has led to allegations of a security threat against TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Banerjee, who was arriving from Delhi, posted on social media that armed individuals were apprehended at the airport, raising serious questions about security. A video circulating on social media shows a man in a yellow kurda and black cloth trying to conceal what appears to be a gun, before being grabbed by TMC supporters. The Hindu has not independently verified the video.

Senior TMC leaders condemned the incident. Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien questioned whether it was an attempt to murder, while MP Sagarika Ghose called for police action and criticized the new BJP-led state government. The TMC's official social media handle accused a BJP activist of planning to murder Banerjee, using strong language against state BJP president Suvendu Adhikari.

BJP leaders have denied any involvement. They have pointed out that Banerjee's claims lack evidence and accused the TMC of creating a ruckus at the airport. Police have registered a case and are investigating.

The incident occurs amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal following the TMC's defeat in the May 4 assembly elections, ending 15 years in power. Since then, several TMC leaders have reported attacks, including egg-throwing and heckling. Banerjee himself was reportedly attacked physically within a month of losing power.

Both parties have blamed each other for the deteriorating law and order situation. The state government has assured a fair investigation into the airport incident. Meanwhile, the TMC has demanded a high-level inquiry and strict action against those responsible.