Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee was physically assaulted on Saturday in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas, while visiting the family of a slain party worker. Protesters surrounded him, chanting slogans and throwing eggs and mud. His shirt was torn, and he was seen wearing a helmet for protection. Banerjee told reporters that he had informed police about the gathering of outsiders beforehand and criticized the lack of security. He was later rescued by police and central forces and taken to a private hospital in Kolkata, where Mamata Banerjee and other party leaders visited him.

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the attack, calling the ruling authority “killers.” The BJP denied any involvement, describing the incident as spontaneous public anger. BJP leaders Shamik Bhattacharya and Sukanta Majumdar said the party does not support violence but claimed the public outrage reflected long-standing resentment against Trinamool rule. Congress and the Samajwadi Party also condemned the assault, with Akhilesh Yadav blaming the BJP government for fostering lawlessness.

The attack occurred amid internal discontent within Trinamool following its electoral defeat, with some members blaming Banerjee and the party’s strategist group for the setback.