Mamata Banerjee Sits On Day-Long Dharna In Kolkata Over Alleged Post-Poll Violence

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday began a day-long dharna in central Kolkata , alleging attacks on party workers and leaders following the BJP’s victory in the recent assembly elections.

Banerjee reached the protest site at Esplanade’s Y-Channel after the party’s request to hold the demonstration at the nearby Rani Rashmoni Road was denied by Kolkata Police. She also alleged that permission was not granted to set up a stage or use microphones, forcing her to address supporters using a megaphone.

The sit-in protest was marked by chaotic scenes , with Trinamool Congress supporters raising slogans during her address. Banerjee said the dharna was being held against alleged post-poll violence , the recent attack on her nephew and party MP Abhishek Banerjee, and issues related to hawker eviction in the city.

She was accompanied by several senior party leaders, including Firhad Hakim, Madan Mitra, Derek O'Brien, Kalyan Banerjee and Dola Sen. However, there was a conspicuous absence of several newly elected legislators , many of whom had won seats on Trinamool Congress tickets.

Party leaders said the protest would continue as scheduled until the evening, emphasising that it was aimed at drawing attention to post-election tensions and alleged targeted attacks on party members.

The demonstration added to the political friction in the state, with Trinamool Congress intensifying its criticism of the administration over law and order concerns following the election outcome.

Banerjee maintained that the protest was peaceful but firm, asserting that the concerns raised would be continued at both political and administrative levels if required.