New Delhi:
A BJP supporter was allegedly shot at by police at Dhaniakhali in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on Thursday. The victim has been hospitalised and said to be in stable condition. The incident angered locals who later gheraoed the police personnel on spot. As per latest reports, BJP supporters have now blocked the road and are protesting in front of police.
Last week, at least three people, including a Class 8 student were injured after yet another skirmish broke out between the ruling Trinamool Congress and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in West Bengal’s Bankura district. Police had resorted to firing to quell the rioting mobs, injuring a few along with a class eight student. The injured have been shifted to the nearby Bankura Medical College and Hospital.
The slogan 'Jai Shri Ram' has been at the centre of political controversies from the last few months. In numerous instances, Banerjee had lost her cool when some BJP supporters chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' at her rallies. She accused the BJP of being a party of outsiders that does not understand the culture of Bengal and is trying to create unrest in West Bengal by "mixing religion with politics".
At least seven persons were detained on March 31 for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan when Banerjee's motorcade passed through North 24 Parganas district of the state. An infuriated Banerjee came out of her car and allegedly asked her security officials to note down the name of the persons involved in it.
The incident brought back memories of a similar episode in early May in West Midnapore district. A video had showed Banerjee losing her temper when some men chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' at her motorcade. The BJP also hit back at the West Bengal government, saying more Banerjee protests against the chant the more public support she would lose in the state.
Saturday's Bankura violence comes amid heightened tensions between the warring parties in Bhatpara municipality of North 24 Parganas district, where prohibitory order under Section 144 is in force. A Trinamool Congress citadel for long, Bhatpara has been witnessing frequent post-poll violence between the rival parties.
