West Bengal Opposition Leader Alleges Foreign Link in Kolkata Rally Violence

Kolkata: Violence erupted during a student protest rally in Kolkata on Friday, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. The protest was against the alleged leak of the NEET question paper. West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, on Sunday alleged that the violence was orchestrated by 'Islamic fundamentalists' and suggested a possible foreign hand. However, these claims are yet to be verified by any probe agency.

Addressing reporters in Nandigram after a Kargil Vijay Diwas event, Adhikari said, 'There is no connection between these people and the movement. They are not students. They are Jamaati fundamentalists. Probe agencies will determine whether foreign forces backed them.' He added that the violence might have been fuelled by resentment over the state government's actions on unregistered madrassas, OBC certificates, cattle slaughter laws, and noise pollution norms.

During the protest, a journalist was reportedly assaulted. Adhikari alleged that media personnel were 'deliberately targeted.' The West Bengal government has invoked its newly enacted anti-goonda law against those accused of orchestrating the violence. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has warned of strict action.

The state government has claimed that around 70 people identified from the rally were not students and had no connection with the NEET protest. Adhikari earlier made a similar statement in the assembly. Investigations are ongoing to determine the identities and motives of those involved in the violence.

It is noteworthy that Adhikari is the Leader of Opposition, not the Chief Minister. The original reports incorrectly identified him as the Chief Minister. This correction is essential for factual accuracy.