The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of orchestrating chaos during the Nabanna Abhijan protest march, following violent clashes between protesters and police on Tuesday. TMC MP Mahua Moitra criticized the demonstrators, describing them as “goons” who provoked the police to react.
In a post on social media platform X, Moitra stated, “Police get bricks thrown at them by #WeDontNeedNoEducation ‘Chhatras,’ SHO’s head split. Many policemen hurt. And @BJP4Bengal calls bandh to protest police ‘atrocities’. Same old playbook.” She added, “No – bodies have not fallen. Sorry BJP & GodiMedia to disappoint your ghoulish desires. This is not a common citizen’s march. Students? Women? Barely. A bunch of goons throwing bricks at police & goading them to react.”
The TMC’s official handle on X echoed Moitra’s sentiments, alleging that the protest was staged by the BJP to incite unrest in the state. “Make no mistake, this isn’t a protest for justice, it’s chaos orchestrated by @BJP4India – hired goons running amok, smashing barricades, and attacking on-duty police officers. This is a deliberate plot to incite unrest and destabilize Bengal,” the TMC posted.
In response, the West Bengal BJP announced a 12-hour bandh on Wednesday to protest against the police action during the Nabanna march. Earlier in the day, police resorted to tear gas, water cannons, and lathi-charge to disperse protesters on Howrah Bridge as they marched towards the West Bengal State Secretariat, Nabanna.
The protest was sparked by the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Protesters clashed with police at multiple locations, including the Santragachi area, where they broke barricades and continued marching towards the Secretariat.
Demonstrators, many holding the tricolour, included students and citizens demanding justice for the deceased doctor. The West Bengal Police had deployed heavy security around the Secretariat in anticipation of the protest.
The situation remains tense as the political battle over the incident intensifies, with the TMC and BJP trading accusations amid public outcry for justice.