Abhishek Banerjee Thanks Rahul Gandhi After Attack; INDIA Bloc Vows Fight

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament (MP) Abhishek Banerjee publicly expressed his gratitude to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his support following an alleged attack in Sonarpur, West Bengal. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 30, 2026, when Banerjee was visiting the family of Sanju Karmakar, a party worker allegedly killed in post-poll violence in the South 24 Parganas district. Banerjee, the national general secretary of the TMC, faced a hostile crowd who reportedly hurled stones, eggs, and shoes at him. Viral videos captured the chaotic scenes, showing protesters shouting slogans like 'chor, chor' (thief, thief) and attempting to physically assault him. During the altercation, his shirt was torn, and he was seen wearing a cricket helmet for protection as security personnel tried to escort him from the area. Following the attack, Abhishek Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the violence, describing himself as a 'victim of political violence and state-sponsored terrorism.' He alleged that the incident was a 'pre-planned' attempt to silence the opposition and questioned the apparent lack of adequate police presence despite prior notification of his visit. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and his aunt, also condemned the attack and squarely blamed the BJP, stating, 'RULERS BECAME KILLERS - shame on you BJP'. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had strongly condemned the attack, calling it a 'disgusting manifestation' of the BJP's 'politics of vendetta' and an assault on democratic values. He also conveyed his concern for Banerjee and offered assistance for his treatment. In response, Banerjee thanked Gandhi for his 'concern and constant support,' reiterating the unity and resolve of the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc. He stated, '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.' He further added that the alliance would 'continue our fight against those who seek to weaken democracy and divide our nation' and would ensure that 'the politics of fear, hatred, violence and intimidation is defeated.' Although Banerjee received initial medical treatment at two private hospitals in Kolkata, he was reportedly denied admission, as doctors indicated that his injuries were not serious enough for hospitalization. However, Mamata Banerjee alleged that hospitals were pressured not to admit him and claimed he suffered blood clots in his chest. Meanwhile, police launched an investigation, registering a suo motu First Information Report (FIR), as Banerjee himself did not file a formal complaint. By Sunday morning, May 31, 2026, six individuals had been arrested in connection with the attack after being identified from video footage. The incident significantly escalated political tensions in West Bengal, with the TMC accusing its opponents of fostering a climate of violence, while the BJP condemned the attacks but suggested they reflected public anger against the TMC. Other opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, also condemned the attack and extended their solidarity, with Banerjee thanking them as well. The incident, occurring amidst ongoing political rivalries and accusations of post-poll violence, highlighted the fragile political landscape in the state and the determination of the INDIA bloc to present a united front against the ruling BJP.

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