Video: Mamata Banerjee loses cool, slaps TMC worker amid post-rally chaos
The incident occurred on Wednesday after a chaotic Trinamool Congress (Mamata faction) youth wing rally, where several leaders were allegedly injured.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (Mamata faction) chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday lost her temper and slapped one of her party workers amid chaotic scenes that unfolded after the party's youth wing rally in Kolkata.
The incident took place outside Banerjee's residence in Kalighat. According to party sources, several workers and leaders were injured during the rally, following which Banerjee stepped in to arrange vehicles to take the injured to hospitals. She was also seen directing party workers to clear the passage outside her residence to facilitate the movement of vehicles.
Amid the commotion, Banerjee appeared to lose her composure and slapped a party worker who was standing behind her and trying to form a protective cordon around her. The moment was caught on camera and has since drawn widespread attention after the video went viral on social media.
The Trinamool Congress (Mamata faction) has not issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
RALLY DESCENDS INTO CHAOS, TMC BLAMES BJP FOR CLASHES
The incident occurred after a Trinamool Congress student and youth wing rally in Kolkata descended into chaos on Wednesday. The march, organised to protest the alleged rape and murder of a minor in Baruipur, was proceeding from Ballygunge Phari to Hazra with permission from the Calcutta High Court when, according to the TMC, BJP supporters infiltrated the procession and attempted to block it.
The confrontation soon escalated into sloganeering, scuffles and physical clashes. Eggs were also thrown at several party leaders and 'chor-chor (thief, thief) slogans were raised during the rally.
The Trinamool Congress alleged that despite the presence of Kolkata Police and central forces, authorities failed to bring the situation under control. The party claimed that 41 of its workers, supporters and leaders, including members of its student and youth wings, sustained injuries in the violence and were admitted to SSKM Hospital. TMC accused 'BJP goons' of attacking its workers during the rally, an allegation the BJP has not yet responded to.
Police said an investigation into the clashes and the videos circulating on social media is underway.
MAMATA BLAMES BJP, ACCUSES POLICE OF FAILING TO MAINTAIN ORDER
Following the incident, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of disrupting the TMC youth rally and alleged that the police failed to ensure law and order despite the procession having permission from the Calcutta High Court.
Addressing supporters, Banerjee claimed that BJP workers had been creating disturbances since the morning. "Our rally was supposed to take place after permission from the High Court. Since this morning, DJs have been blaring throughout the area. When Abhishek Banerjee mentioned the DJ, the CID was dispatched. Who permitted the DJ to play from 6 am?" she asked.
The TMC chief further alleged that "400-500 BJP goons on bikes" had been roaming around the area and threatening her supporters. "Law and order in Bengal has completely collapsed. The police should have allowed the peaceful demonstration, but you didn't, and women were attacked during the rally. I condemn this," she said.
Appealing to the police to remain impartial, Banerjee said, "I appeal to the police not to take anyone's side, but to remain impartial. Protect our mothers and sisters, protect the unemployed, and protect Kolkata."