'The central government will not be there tomorrow...' audio clip featuring Mamata Banerjee sparks controversy

KOLKATA: An audio clip circulating on social media, allegedly featuring former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the aftermath of an attack on Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, has sparked a political controversy.

The clip purportedly contains Mamata Banerjee making threatening remarks against Pradeep Tandon, CEO of Kolkata's Belle Vue Hospital, where Abhishek Banerjee was reportedly treated following the attack. Abhishek Banerjee is Mamata Banerjee's nephew.

In the clip, the speaker allegedly says: "Sorry, Mr. Tandon, you made a mistake. Please remember what help we have done for you. God will not forgive you. You are misleading people. You should be ashamed. Everyone will remember your arrogance. The BJP is in power now. Tomorrow, if the central government is not there, we will take care of it."

Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked while visiting families affected by post-election violence. According to reports, a group of people threw stones and eggs at him while shouting slogans calling him a "thief." As the crowd became increasingly aggressive, police reportedly provided Abhishek with a helmet for protection. His shirt was also torn during the incident. Abhishek accused the BJP of sponsoring the attack. He claimed that despite informing authorities in advance about his visit, adequate security arrangements were not made.

The Trinamool Congress also blamed the BJP for the attack. Reacting to the incident, Mamata Banerjee said that those in power had become "murderers." Mallikarjun Kharge strongly condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable. He urged both the West Bengal government and the central government to ensure the safety of opposition leaders and take immediate steps to prevent such incidents. Akhilesh Yadav also condemned the incident, alleging that the attack was part of a larger conspiracy.