‘I defended my country, now I am a target’: Abhishek Banerjee slams BJP after Sonarpur attack

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday hit back at the BJP a day after he was allegedly attacked during a visit to South 24 Parganas district, saying he had defended India abroad as part of an all-party delegation but now stood as a "victim of political violence and state-sponsored terrorism" unleashed by those claiming to be guardians of nationalism.

Responding to X to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's message condemning the attack, Banerjee thanked him for his support and launched a sharp attack on the BJP.

“Thank you, Rahul ji, for your concern and constant support. We stand united and resolute in our fight to protect the soul of India, defend its democratic institutions and uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution.

Also read | A day after Abhishek Banerjee attack row, Kalyan Banerjee injured near Kolkata

Last year, I travelled across five countries representing India as part of the all-party delegation for Operation Sindoor. I defended my country and stood united against terrorism.

Today, I stand as a victim of political violence and state-sponsored terrorism unleashed by those who claim to be the guardians of nationalism.

Responding to X to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's message condemning the attack, Banerjee thanked him for his support and launched a sharp attack on the BJP.

“Thank you, Rahul ji, for your concern and constant support. We stand united and resolute in our fight to protect the soul of India, defend its democratic institutions and uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution. Last year, I travelled across five countries representing India as part of the all-party delegation for Operation Sindoor. I defended my country and stood united against terrorism. Today, I stand as a victim of political violence and state-sponsored terrorism unleashed by those who claim to be the guardians of nationalism,” he said. 

He alleged that the BJP was targeting political opponents and suppressing dissent.

“This is the reality of today’s BJP. If you support them, you are a patriot. If you question them, you become a target. If you stand with them, you are celebrated. If you stand against them, they try to silence you. I would rather face intimidation while defending democracy than enjoy comfort by surrendering my principles,” he said.

Banerjee also asserted that he would continue to stand by his political convictions despite the alleged attack.

“Power is temporary. The will of the people is permanent. I will bow only before the people, never before the people in power. We will continue our fight against those who seek to weaken democracy and divide our nation. INDIA STANDS UNITED and together, we will ensure that the politics of fear, hatred, violence and intimidation is defeated, and that the voice of the people prevails,” Banerjee added.

Rahul Gandhi strongly condemned the alleged attack on the TMC MP in Sonarpur, calling it a “disgusting manifestation” of the BJP's “politics of vendetta”.

Banerjee was allegedly roughed up by locals on Saturday when he visited Sonarpur to meet families affected by post-poll violence. According to police, stones, shoes and eggs were hurled at him by unidentified persons, who allegedly attempted to kick and assault him while chanting “thief, thief”.

In a post on X, Gandhi said the attack was highly condemnable.

“An attack on an MP is not merely an attack on an individual, it is an attack on the people who elected him and on the democracy that constitutes our shared heritage,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.

“This is a disgusting manifestation of the BJP's politics of vendetta. Political differences can never serve as a justification for violence,” Gandhi said.

Also read | Doctors note superficial injuries as Abhishek Banerjee’s hospitalisation sparks political row

Both the Centre and the West Bengal government must take immediate action against those responsible and ensure the safety of public representatives irrespective of political affiliation, he added.

“Abhishek ji, my thoughts and sympathies are with you and your family. I wish you a speedy recovery,” Gandhi said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior party leaders K C Venugopal and Manickam Tagore also condemned the incident, alleging it reflected the BJP's politics of vendetta and calling for enhanced security for opposition leaders.

Television footage showed Banerjee being escorted from the area wearing a helmet, with his shirt torn during the commotion.

“Look what they have done to me. This was pre-planned. There is no police in the area. They want to kill me. I will not leave this place till police send their force and offer protection to the victims' families,” Banerjee had said at the site.

Local women carrying broomsticks and bamboo sticks had gathered outside the residence of a TMC worker visited by Banerjee, questioning the purpose of his visit and raising slogans against him.

Reacting to the incident, BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya said it could be the result of anger among locals who had allegedly faced years of "torture".