Stone-pelting near Bengal minister’s residence before Modi rally; injuries reported in BJP–TMC clash

A clash broke out between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) near the home of West Bengal minister Sashi Panja in Kolkata on Saturday, hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at the Brigade Parade Ground.

Several people from both sides were reportedly injured in the violence, escalating political tensions in the city ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The confrontation reportedly took place in central Kolkata when buses carrying BJP supporters were travelling through the area on their way to attend Modi’s rally. According to TMC supporters, some BJP workers allegedly hurled stones near the minister’s residence, triggering a clash with local party workers.

Speaking to reporters after the incident, Sashi Panja claimed that stones were thrown at her house during the clash and that she was also injured in the violence.

She further claimed that the attackers deliberately targeted her residence and attempted to create unrest ahead of the prime minister’s public meeting in the city.

However, BJP supporters denied the allegation and accused TMC workers of initiating the violence. Some BJP members alleged that a group led by the minister’s daughter, who is also a TMC councillor, attacked BJP supporters who were on their way to the rally.

“A special community under her leadership attacked us. Several of us are seriously injured. TMC is rattled by the crowd at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally,” a BJP supporter alleged.

Police said several people were injured in the clash and that officers had to intervene to bring the situation under control. Reports indicated that stones were thrown and vehicles were damaged during the confrontation. Security personnel were deployed in the area to prevent further escalation.

The clash occurred just a few kilometres from the Brigade Parade Ground, where Modi was scheduled to hold an administrative meeting followed by a large public rally attended by BJP supporters from across the state.

Political tensions in West Bengal have been intensifying as the Election Commission of India is expected to announce the schedule for the Assembly elections next week. The contest is expected to be a high-stakes battle between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with both parties ramping up campaign activities across the state.

Authorities said the situation in the area was later brought under control, though rival parties continued to trade allegations over who initiated the violence.