The situation in West Bengal took a violent turn during the 12-hour shutdown called by the BJP to protest police actions against the Nabanna protesters. Amid this tense atmosphere, three individuals were arrested for allegedly firing shots at BJP leader Priyangu Pandey's car in the Bhatpara region of North 24 Parganas. The incident has further inflamed the already volatile political landscape in the state, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Priyangu Pandey has alleged that the attack on his car was orchestrated by TMC supporters, who not only fired at the vehicle but also hurled bombs at it. He claimed that his driver was injured by a bullet during the attack, although the police have dismissed this allegation, stating that the driver did not sustain any bullet injuries. Despite the police's denial, the visuals from the scene showed significant damage to the front of Pandey's car, with shattered windows and other signs of a violent attack.
BJP leader Arjun Singh, who is closely associated with Pandey, supported the claims of a deliberate and coordinated attack, accusing the TMC and the local police of conspiring against his colleague. Singh stated that the attack took place in the presence of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and that multiple bombs and rounds of gunfire were directed at the vehicle. He emphasized that this was a serious attempt on Pandey's life, reflecting the dangerous political climate in the state.
The shutdown, which partially affected public life in West Bengal, saw a mix of road and rail blockades across the state, disrupting public transport. In Kolkata, the impact was evident with fewer buses, taxis, and autorickshaws on the roads, and private vehicles also significantly reduced. While markets and shops remained open, the number of students in schools and colleges was lower than usual, and many private sector employees worked from home due to the tense situation. Government offices, however, reported normal attendance.
BJP's IT cell head, Amit Malviya, condemned the attack on Pandey via social media, directly accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the state police of using "extra-constitutional means" to suppress political opposition. Malviya asserted that these tactics would not deter the BJP, and he warned that the agitation would only intensify in response.
This incident is likely to escalate tensions further between the BJP and TMC, as both parties continue to exchange blame over the violence and unrest in the state. The ongoing shutdown, coupled with the attack on Pandey, underscores the deepening political divide in West Bengal, where clashes between rival political groups have become increasingly common. As investigations continue, the focus will be on whether any new evidence emerges that could either substantiate or refute the claims made by Pandey and his supporters.
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