Mamata Banerjee slaps TMC worker amid chaotic protest in Kolkata
During a TMC protest march in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee was seen slapping a party worker amidst a chaotic situation. The protest, organized over the Baruipur rape and murder case, saw clashes between TMC and BJP supporters, leading to police intervention. The incident of Banerjee slapping a worker was captured on video and widely shared, drawing criticism from the BJP. Banerjee herself accused the police of inaction and alleged BJP disruption.
Key Highlights
- Mamata Banerjee slapped a TMC worker during a protest march in Kolkata.
- The protest was held concerning the alleged rape and murder of a minor in Baruipur.
- Clashes erupted between TMC and BJP supporters during the rally.
- A video of the slapping incident went viral on social media.
- Mamata Banerjee criticized the police's role in managing the protest.
A protest march organized by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, turned chaotic, culminating in West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee being seen slapping a party worker. The rally, intended to protest the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur, had received permission from the Calcutta High Court with certain conditions. However, the march, which began from Ballygunge Phari and was heading towards Hazra Crossing, soon devolved into clashes between TMC and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters. Reports indicate that BJP supporters raised 'chor, chor' (thief) slogans and allegedly threw eggs at the procession, attempting to disrupt it. The TMC, in turn, accused the BJP of orchestrating a "planned rampage" and of assaulting their workers, including women. The police were forced to resort to a baton charge to control the escalating violence between the two rival party groups. The situation intensified near Banerjee's residence in Kalighat, where a large crowd had gathered. Amidst the commotion, Banerjee emerged from her residence and was observed attempting to manage the crowd and clear a path, possibly for injured party workers or emergency vehicles. It was during this intervention that she was seen losing her temper and slapping a TMC worker who was standing near her, reportedly trying to manage the crowd. Several other reports suggest she may have struck multiple individuals in an apparent effort to restore order. The incident was captured on video, which quickly went viral on social media platforms. The BJP, including spokespersons and MPs like Pradeep Bhandari and Raju Bista, shared the video and heavily criticized Banerjee's actions, with some attributing it to her 'losing mental balance' after recent electoral defeats or calling it an 'act of arrogance'. The TMC, while not issuing an official statement on the slapping incident itself, condemned the alleged attacks on their workers and accused the police of failing to maintain law and order and acting as an 'arm of the BJP organization'. Banerjee herself echoed these sentiments, criticizing the police for not enforcing the court's orders and allowing the BJP to disrupt their peaceful protest. She alleged that the police were being used to sabotage their program and that 'total lawlessness' prevailed in Bengal. The TMC also indicated plans to file a contempt petition in the Calcutta High Court, alleging that 41 of their workers were injured and admitted to SSKM hospital. The BJP, however, maintained that TMC workers provoked their supporters. The incident occurred on a day when one of the prime accused in the Baruipur rape and murder case, Prabhas Mondal, was killed in a police encounter during a crime scene reconstruction, and another accused was arrested. The confluence of political clashes, allegations of police inaction, and the shocking visual of a prominent political leader resorting to physical action has generated significant political discourse and media attention across India. The incident highlights the intense political rivalry in West Bengal and the volatile nature of public protests in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the protest march about?
The protest march was organized by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata to protest against the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur.
What led to the clashes during the protest?
Clashes erupted between workers of the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the rally. Reports suggest BJP supporters raised slogans, threw eggs, and attempted to disrupt the march, while the TMC accused the BJP of a planned attack.
What was Mamata Banerjee's alleged action during the protest?
During the chaotic scenes, Mamata Banerjee was seen on video appearing to slap a TMC worker who was trying to manage the crowd near her.
What was the reaction to the incident?
The video of the incident went viral, drawing criticism from the BJP, while Mamata Banerjee accused the police of inaction and the BJP of disrupting the protest.