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While Adhikari claimed the attack was carried out by ‘TMC goons’, Trinamool Congress spokespersons suggested that the BJP is attempting to create a ‘narrative of victimhood’
Local TMC leaders characterised the incident as an expression of ‘public anger’. (File Image)
The political atmosphere in West Bengal grew increasingly volatile on Saturday, following an alleged attack on the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, in Paschim Medinipur district. Posting a video on social media site X, Adhikari claimed that his convoy was “viciously attacked” by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers at approximately 8.20 pm while he was returning from a political engagement in Purulia. The incident occurred near Chandrakona Road, sparking immediate protests and a high-stakes standoff between BJP supporters and local law enforcement.
Detailing the encounter, Adhikari alleged that the attackers used sticks and bamboo to strike his vehicle as it crossed a busy intersection. He further accused the West Bengal Police of acting as “mute spectators”, claiming that the assault took place in the presence of security personnel who failed to intervene. Describing the event as a “lawless dictatorship”, the BJP heavyweight argued that the attack was a sign of the ruling party’s desperation in the face of rising public discontent ahead of the assembly elections.
Tonight approximately around 8:20 PM, while I was returning from Purulia, at Chandrakona Road; Paschim Medinipur district, I was viciously attacked by TMC goons.These cowards, emboldened by the Mamata Banerjee regime’s culture of violence and impunity, attacked me right in the… pic.twitter.com/caM0JshS4y— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) January 10, 2026
Following the confrontation, Adhikari entered the Chandrakona Police Station and staged a dharna, sitting on the floor of the station to demand the immediate arrest of the perpetrators. Visuals from the scene showed a heavy police presence as BJP workers gathered outside the station, raising slogans against the Mamata Banerjee-led government. Adhikari maintained that he would not “budge” from the station until a First Information Report (FIR) was registered and accountability was enforced against those he termed “TMC goons”.
The Trinamool Congress has largely dismissed the allegations, with local leaders characterising the incident as an expression of “public anger” rather than an organised party attack. TMC spokespersons suggested that the BJP is attempting to create a “narrative of victimhood” to stay relevant amid a lack of grassroots support. This incident is the latest in a series of violent clashes between the two parties, following a similar alleged attack on Adhikari’s convoy in Cooch Behar in late 2025.
January 10, 2026, 23:04 IST
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