Saugata Roy writes to Amit Shah over egg attacks on Trinamool leaders
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting a worrying rise in attacks on party leaders and workers in West Bengal since the results of the 2026 Assembly election were declared on May 4.
In his letter, Roy said, "You are probably aware that since WB Assembly election results came out on May 4, attacks on TMC workers have been happening in West Bengal. Over 2000 TMC offices have been vandalised, TMC workers beaten up and eggs thrown at TMC leaders. Yesterday (on Monday), TMC offices in ward no.93, Kolkata Corporation, where I stay, were broken up. Police did not do anything, though I lodged a complaint."
The MP, who represents Dum Dum constituency in the Lok Sabha, drew particular attention to an incident that took place on Monday evening. Roy was meeting with former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her residence, along with other senior leaders, when MLA Kunal Ghosh stepped out to address the media. "He came back after some time and told us that while he was talking to the media outside Ms. Banerjee's residence, some people threw eggs at him. The eggs touched his face and shirt," Roy wrote.
Roy said he immediately reported the attack to the officer-in-charge of Kalighat police station, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), and the Director General of Security. He urged the Home Minister to ensure such incidents are not repeated. "Now that BJP has won a big majority in West Bengal, ensuring peace is the responsibility of BJP," he stated.
Soon after the letter was made public, Kolkata Police arrested two individuals — Chandan Koyal and Rabi Koyal — in connection with the egg attack on Ghosh. A senior police official confirmed the arrests and said investigations are underway to determine if they were acting alone or on behalf of others.
The attack on Ghosh is part of a pattern that has emerged since the election. On May 28, Roy himself was targeted in the Nimta-Birati area of his constituency. Protestors surrounded his vehicle, hurled eggs, and shouted slogans, prompting him to file a complaint with the local police. Two days later, on May 30, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee faced a hostile crowd in Sonarpur, where he had gone to console a bereaved family. Eggs were thrown, and Banerjee had to wear a helmet for protection.
On June 6, senior MLA Madan Mitra's convoy was pelted with eggs in Kamarhati, with a video of the incident going viral on social media. Several other leaders, including former MLAs and municipal officials, have faced similar incidents while in police custody for corruption cases.
Many of these leaders are facing charges of corruption and criminal wrongdoing. Public anger has been simmering, and these egg attacks appear to be a symbolic form of protest against perceived graft and misgovernance during the TMC's tenure. However, the TMC has dismissed the attacks as orchestrated by political rivals, while the BJP has denied any involvement and called for the maintenance of law and order.
West Bengal has a long history of political violence, especially following elections. The 2026 polls saw heightened security arrangements by the Election Commission, but sporadic incidents have persisted. A state government spokesperson said that the police are acting impartially and urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands.
Roy, a veteran parliamentarian, has been vocal about the safety of TMC members. In his letter, he emphasized that such public spectacles "bring a bad name to the state" and appealed for central intervention to restore normalcy. The Home Ministry has yet to issue a formal response.
Political observers note that while egg-throwing may seem minor, it reflects deeper voter anger and raises concerns about the potential for more serious violence if not addressed promptly. All eyes are now on how the state and central governments coordinate to ensure peace in the months ahead.
