Abhishek Banerjee Attacked in Sonarpur: Eggs, Stones Hurled, TMC Blames BJP
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee was reportedly attacked with eggs and stones by protesters in Sonarpur, West Bengal, while visiting post-poll violence victims. He faced 'chor chor' slogans and sustained injuries. The TMC swiftly accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the assault, escalating political tensions in the state.
Key Highlights
- Abhishek Banerjee attacked with eggs and stones in Sonarpur.
- Protesters shouted 'chor chor' slogans at the TMC leader.
- TMC, including Mamata Banerjee, blamed BJP for the incident.
- Banerjee claimed it was a 'BJP-sponsored attack' and vowed legal action.
- He sustained injuries, including a damaged eye and broken spectacles.
- Police presence was initially low; central forces arrived later.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary and MP, Abhishek Banerjee, faced an aggressive protest and alleged physical assault during a visit to Sonarpur, West Bengal, on Saturday, May 30, 2026. He was in the South 24 Parganas district to meet families affected by post-poll violence when his convoy came under attack. Protesters reportedly hurled eggs, stones, and even a brick at him, while also shouting 'chor chor' (thief, thief) slogans.
According to multiple news reports, Banerjee's visit was intended to console families, including that of a TMC worker, Sanju Karmakar, who was reportedly killed in post-poll clashes.
Visuals from the scene depicted a chaotic environment, with a crowd surrounding Banerjee and engaging in jostling and pushing. He was seen being escorted by security personnel, at one point wearing a helmet for protection, which he later credited for preventing a more severe head injury. Banerjee's spectacles were reportedly broken, his shirt torn, and he claimed to have been hit in the eye with a brick, causing him difficulty in opening it. He was later admitted to Apollo Hospital in Kolkata for treatment.
The TMC immediately condemned the incident, with both Abhishek Banerjee and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had orchestrated the attack. Mamata Banerjee posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, 'RULERS BECAME KILLERS – shame on you BJP.' Abhishek Banerjee himself unequivocally declared the attack to be 'BJP-sponsored' and asserted that goons had been stationed in a nearby community hall since morning with the intention of pelting stones.
He further claimed that the attackers intended to kill him and that the entire incident was captured on camera. Vowing legal recourse, Banerjee stated his intention to approach the High Court and inform the Governor about the incident, even contemplating moving the Supreme Court.
Concerns were also raised regarding the alleged lack of adequate police presence during the initial stages of the protest, despite prior intimation about his visit. Banerjee highlighted this perceived lapse in security, suggesting a deliberate failure to intervene. Police personnel and central forces eventually arrived at the location to escort Banerjee to safety and bring the situation under control.
In response to the accusations, the BJP in West Bengal, through its state president Samik Bhattacharya, denied any involvement, suggesting that the incident could be a manifestation of local grievances. This denial underscores the heightened political confrontation between the two major parties in the state.
Other prominent political figures also condemned the attack. TMC MP Derek O'Brien and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed their concerns over the security arrangements and police protection, highlighting the seriousness of the assault on a national political figure. The incident, occurring amidst an already tense political climate following recent elections, has further intensified the political discourse in West Bengal, bringing issues of law and order and political violence to the forefront. Abhishek Banerjee reiterated his commitment to continuing his political campaign despite such pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abhishek Banerjee and what happened to him in Sonarpur?
Abhishek Banerjee is the National General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and an MP. On May 30, 2026, he was reportedly attacked with eggs, stones, and a brick by protesters in Sonarpur, West Bengal, while visiting families affected by post-poll violence. He sustained injuries and his convoy was heckled with 'chor chor' slogans.
What were the accusations made by TMC regarding the attack?
The TMC, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee himself, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the attack. Abhishek Banerjee specifically claimed it was a 'BJP-sponsored' act and that goons were pre-positioned to carry out the assault.
What was the extent of Abhishek Banerjee's injuries?
Abhishek Banerjee reported that his spectacles were broken, his shirt was torn, and he was hit in the eye with a brick, causing him difficulty in opening it. He stated that a helmet he was wearing prevented more serious head injuries. He was later hospitalized in Kolkata.
How did the BJP respond to the allegations?
The West Bengal BJP president, Samik Bhattacharya, denied the party's involvement in the incident, suggesting that the protest could have stemmed from local grievances rather than political orchestration.
What actions is Abhishek Banerjee planning to take after the attack?
Abhishek Banerjee stated his intention to pursue legal action, including moving the High Court and informing the Governor about the incident. He also mentioned the possibility of approaching the Supreme Court, asserting that the entire event was captured on camera.
