Calcutta:
The Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters came to blows in Calcutta this morning, just outside the BJP election office in the Hastings area, in front of the police. The incident took place when Trinamool rebel deputy Sunil Mondal arrived at the office. Not only were black flags waved, Trinamool workers also surrounded their vehicle, shouting slogans. One of them even threw himself in front of the MP’s vehicle.
The brief commotion ended in a few moments, but the area is tense.
Several Trinamool rebel leaders, who joined the BJP last Saturday in the presence of Union Interior Minister Amit Shah in Medinipur, are expected today at the BJP office for a congratulatory event.
In addition to Sunil Mondal, Suvendu Adhikari, the former minister in Mamata Banerjee’s government, is also expected to be in office shortly.
The Trinamool has built a stage near the BJP office. It is not clear if it is with permission from the police. Trinamool workers shouted slogans from there.
The police presence in the area has been reinforced and barricades have been erected between the Trinamool stage and the entrance to the BJP office.
Trinamool MP Sougata Roy has said that the protest may have taken place spontaneously.
BJP MP Arjun Singh said that when things look bad, some people react badly.
The BJP has been investing an unprecedented amount of time and resources in the state before the elections, seeking to replace the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee from power.
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