Kolkata, West Bengal — A high-profile political confrontation turned violent on Chakraberia Road in Bhabanipur late Saturday evening, April 25, leading to the deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF). The chaos began when Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee stormed off her rally stage, alleging intentional sabotage by a nearby BJP event.
“This Is an Insult”: Mamata Walks Out
The incident unfolded while the Chief Minister was addressing a campaign meeting for the upcoming Phase 2 polls. Just 100 metres away, a BJP rally featuring Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari was preparing to start.
As the sound of BJP loudspeakers and patriotic music drifted toward the TMC stage, an visibly agitated Banerjee paused her speech. Addressing the crowd, she called the noise an “intentional disturbance” designed to prevent her from speaking.
“I cannot speak like this. This is an insult to the democratic process. They are doing this on purpose because they have no respect for Bengal’s culture,” the Chief Minister stated before apologizing to the audience and abruptly leaving the venue.
Chakraberia Road Becomes a Battleground
Following the CM’s departure, the atmosphere quickly soured. Infuriated TMC supporters marched toward the BJP rally site, leading to a direct face-off on the narrow streets of Bhabanipur.
What began as a heated exchange of slogans—“Jai Bangla” vs. “Jai Shri Ram”—devolved into a physical skirmish. Witnesses reported minor stone-pelting and scuffles between the two cadres, forcing local residents to shutter their shops.
RAF Intervention and Security Crackdown
Recognizing the potential for a larger riot in the sensitive constituency, the Kolkata Police and Central Forces moved in rapidly. RAF units were seen conducting a route march along Chakraberia Road and Padmapukur to disperse the clashing crowds.
By 9:00 PM, a heavy security cordon was established around the area. Senior police officials confirmed that while no major injuries were reported, several “troublemakers” from both sides were detained to maintain order.
Suvendu Adhikari Hits Back
Suvendu Adhikari, who arrived at the BJP venue shortly after the clash, dismissed the CM’s allegations as a sign of “impending defeat.”
“If the sound of democracy disturbs her, it shows she has lost the mandate of Bhabanipur. We were following all EC guidelines regarding decibel levels. This walk-out is nothing but a staged drama to cover up for her party’s failures,” Adhikari told reporters.
Critical Phase 2 Polling
Bhabanipur, a traditional TMC stronghold, is seeing its most contested election in years, with Suvendu Adhikari challenging the Chief Minister on her home turf. The Election Commission (EC) has taken note of the Chakraberia incident and has increased the number of static surveillance teams in the area ahead of the April 29 vote.
