In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through West Bengal’s political landscape, the convoy of opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari came under a vicious attack in Chandrakona town, located in the West Midnapore district. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as unidentified assailants pelted stones at the vehicles carrying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, who is a vocal critic of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The attack occurred late evening as Adhikari was returning from a series of public meetings aimed at rallying support ahead of upcoming local elections. Local residents reported hearing loud slogans and seeing a mob armed with sticks and stones suddenly swarm the road. Adhikari’s security detail managed to whisk him away to safety, but not before several vehicles sustained heavy damage, with windshields shattered and bodywork dented.
Police swiftly arrived at the scene and launched an investigation, detaining a handful of suspects believed to be affiliated with local TMC workers. Adhikari, addressing the media from a secure location, accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order, labeling the assault as a desperate move by the TMC to silence opposition voices. ‘This is not just an attack on me, but on democracy itself,’ he thundered, calling for a high-level probe.
Political tensions have been simmering in West Midnapore for months, with Adhikari spearheading aggressive campaigns against alleged TMC corruption and violence. Party workers from both sides traded accusations throughout the night, raising fears of escalating clashes. The incident has drawn sharp reactions from national BJP leadership, who demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
As dawn broke, Chandrakona remained tense with heavy police deployment. Adhikari’s supporters gathered outside the local police station, demanding immediate arrests. This brazen attack underscores the volatile atmosphere in West Bengal’s political arena, where electoral rivalries often spill into street violence. Authorities have assured the public of strict action, but questions linger about the state’s ability to ensure safety for political figures.