Kolkata

Former West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a protest demonstration in Kolkata, alleging targeted attacks on senior party leaders, including her nephew and party MP Abhishek Banerjee and MP Kalyan Banerjee.

Ahead of the protest at Rani Rashmoni Avenue, Banerjee paid floral tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr B.R. Ambedkar at his statue in the city. She was accompanied by senior party leaders, including Dola Sen and Kalyan Banerjee. The TMC chief was also seen carrying a copy of the Constitution of India before proceeding to the protest venue.

The demonstration was organised against what the party described as politically motivated attacks on its leaders in the aftermath of recent incidents of violence. The protest comes amid heightened political tensions in the state following allegations that Abhishek Banerjee and Kalyan Banerjee were targeted during separate visits to affected areas.

Speaking on the issue a day earlier, Mamata Banerjee strongly condemned the incidents and accused authorities of acting in an undemocratic manner. Referring to the alleged assault on Abhishek Banerjee, she questioned the treatment meted out to opposition leaders and criticised what she termed authoritarian conduct.

She also alleged that attempts were being made to weaken the Trinamool Congress through intimidation and inducements but asserted that such efforts would only strengthen the party.

The TMC chief further warned that if the party was prevented from holding demonstrations in Kolkata, it would take its protest to the national capital. She declared that the protest would go ahead regardless of administrative restrictions.

According to the party, Abhishek Banerjee sustained an eye injury after being allegedly attacked with bricks, stones and eggs during a visit to South 24 Parganas. Kalyan Banerjee has also claimed that he survived an attempt on his life near Chanditala Police Station while submitting a deputation.

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Meanwhile, police have arrested five persons in connection with the alleged attack on Abhishek Banerjee, and an investigation into the incident is underway.