Political Scuffle at Kolkata Airport Ahead of Abhishek Banerjee's Arrival
A scuffle erupted at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport on Friday night between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee's arrival from Delhi. The altercation involved shouting, pushing, and a man attempting to hit another with a helmet, with TMC alleging a "BJP person" instigated the chaos with eggs and weapons. Police intervened to control the situation.
Key Highlights
- Scuffle broke out at Kolkata airport on Friday night.
- TMC and BJP supporters clashed ahead of Abhishek Banerjee's arrival.
- TMC alleged BJP workers carried eggs and weapons.
- Viral videos showed physical altercation, including a helmet attack.
- Police and security personnel intervened to restore order.
- Banerjee was returning after meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
A significant political scuffle unfolded at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Friday night, June 19, 2026, just prior to the arrival of Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP, Abhishek Banerjee, from Delhi. The confrontation involved supporters of both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading to chaos and disruption at the airport's arrival terminal.
The altercation was reportedly triggered when a group of BJP supporters gathered at the airport, allegedly with the intention of hurling eggs at Abhishek Banerjee. This alleged plan reportedly reached TMC supporters, who then rushed to the spot to confront the BJP workers, escalating the situation into a heated and physical confrontation. Eyewitness accounts and viral video clips of the incident depicted a chaotic scene with several individuals shouting at each other, pushing, and even a man attempting to strike another person with a helmet, as others tried to intervene and de-escalate the situation.
TMC leaders and supporters were quick to attribute the instigation of the violence to BJP members. A supporter of Abhishek Banerjee explicitly stated that a "BJP person" arrived at the airport, followed by a group carrying eggs. The TMC further intensified its allegations, claiming that a "BJP Bengal goon armed with weapons" had possibly planned to "murder" Abhishek Banerjee. This grave accusation was made in a post on social media by the TMC, which also questioned the state of law and order under the BJP-led state administration, suggesting that criminals were operating with "absolute impunity" and implying a "state-sponsored attempt to eliminate a political opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Kolkata airport on Friday night?
A scuffle broke out between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, ahead of TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee's arrival from Delhi.
Who was involved in the scuffle?
Supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party were involved in the altercation. Abhishek Banerjee was the intended arrival, and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar was also reportedly present.
What did the TMC allege regarding the incident?
The TMC alleged that BJP supporters gathered at the airport carrying eggs and, in a more serious accusation, claimed that a 'BJP goon armed with weapons' possibly planned to 'murder' Abhishek Banerjee.
What was the political context of Abhishek Banerjee's visit?
Abhishek Banerjee was returning from Delhi where he had met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to discuss the disqualification of 20 rebel TMC MPs, a matter that has escalated political tensions.
How did authorities respond to the scuffle?
Police and airport security personnel intervened to separate the rival groups, control the situation, and safely escort Abhishek Banerjee out of the airport through an alternate exit.
