Mamata Banerjee Leads Protest Against Post-Election Violence in Kolkata

Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee led a protest in Kolkata on Tuesday, alleging post-election violence against her party workers and leaders. The demonstration, initially planned at Rani Rashmoni Avenue, had to be shifted to a bus stop in Dharmatala after Kolkata Police denied permission for the original venue.

Accompanied by senior TMC leaders Kalyan Banerjee, Dola Sen, and Kunal Ghosh, Mamata began the protest by paying homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's statue on Red Road. Holding a copy of the Indian Constitution, she addressed the gathering using a megaphone, as the police did not permit the use of microphones or a stage. "I will fight or die," she declared, vowing to continue her struggle against what she described as targeted attacks on her party.

Mamata had earlier warned that if her protests were obstructed in Kolkata, the TMC would take its movement to New Delhi. Senior leader Kalyan Banerjee also accused the police of acting under political pressure, urging them to uphold the Constitution. He hinted at larger demonstrations in the coming days if the alleged violence and intimidation against TMC workers continued.

The TMC chief has also accused the BJP of attempting to destabilize her party. In a Facebook video message on Monday, Mamata claimed that BJP leaders, with the help of the police, were pressuring TMC MLAs and MPs to defect. She alleged that some legislators were being threatened or offered bribes to weaken the party.

This protest comes in the wake of heightened political tensions following the assembly elections. With Mamata Banerjee taking a defiant stand, the situation appears poised for further escalation, both in West Bengal and potentially at the national level.