The convoy of Jagat Prakash (JP) Nadda - the 60-year-old national president of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) – was pelted with stones on Thursday during his West Bengal tour.
The Delhi-based politician arrived in the state of West Bengal earlier on Wednesday on a two-day visit, with an eye to meeting and addressing party leaders and meetings in the run-up to the state assembly elections.
The politician's convoy was attacked in the state's South 24 Parganas district. A video recording of the incident from inside the car was later tweeted by the official handle of BJP Bengal, which pointed the finger at the state's governing party, All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The BJP alleged that West Bengal State Chief Mamta Banerjee had sent her "goons" to execute the "shameful" attack.
TMC goons attacked Kailash ji at Sirakal more, Diamond Harbour. Aimed bricks at him. Why Pishi and Bhaipo are so scared? Shameful act of cowardice! Clearly Pishi & her goons are fearful of people’s support for BJP in West Bengal. #BengalSupportsBJP pic.twitter.com/v9hblXevu9
— BJP Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) December 10, 2020
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar said that he is concerned at the "alarming reports of anarchy and lawlessness".
Concerned at alarming reports of anarchy and lawlessness @MamataOfficial indicating ruling party harmads on rampage at BJP President Convoy and political police @WBPolice in support.
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) December 10, 2020
This happening inspite of my alerts to CS & DGP early morning indicated collapse of law & order
The BJP further went on to allege that its workers had been beaten up by TMC cadres in Diamond Harbour in the South 24 Parganas district and that the party banners put up ahead of Nadda's visit were torn down by TMC members.
At present, the attackers have not been identified and an investigation into the incident has been opened.
