Kolkata turns into battleground as BJP and TMC workers exchange blows ahead of PM Modi’s mega rally

KOLKATA: Widespread violence erupted in North and Central Kolkata on Saturday afternoon, just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally at the Brigade Parade Ground. The rally serves as the culmination of the BJP's statewide 'Parivartan Yatra' ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

Clashes broke out near Girish Park when BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers engaged in heated slogan-shouting that quickly escalated into stone-pelting. The BJP alleged that TMC workers attacked a bus carrying party supporters from Baranagar without provocation, causing injuries and damaging several vehicles. Conversely, the Trinamool Congress claimed that BJP workers initiated the violence by abusing local residents and attacking the residence of State Minister Shashi Panja.

The violence left several people injured, including a senior police official and a local BJP leader. A large police contingent and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel eventually reached the spot and used a lathi charge to bring the situation under control. Despite the unrest, the Prime Minister's visit proceeded as planned, with the inauguration of development projects worth over ₹18,000 crore across the road, rail, and shipping sectors. The incident underscores the intensifying political friction in Bengal as the state prepares for the polls.