Mamata warns of protests outside BJP leaders' Delhi homes if TMC attacks continue

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday condemned the alleged vandalism at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) office on Camac Street in Kolkata, and warned that her party would hold demonstrations outside the homes of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in New Delhi if such incidents did not cease.

Speaking via a Facebook Live session, Ms. Banerjee accused BJP-backed individuals of looting documents and equipment from the party premises. She said the incident reflected a deteriorating law and order situation in the state, adding that if such events could occur in Kolkata, the condition in rural areas was likely worse.

Ms. Banerjee alleged that the attackers had acted with the knowledge of the Kolkata Police. She claimed that important documents and electronic equipment were taken from the office during the incident. She also condemned recent events at Jadavpur University, describing them as BJP-sponsored hooliganism.

The TMC chief further alleged that efforts were being made to restrict her movement, referring to statements attributed to the current Chief Minister about not allowing her to leave her home. She warned that her party would not remain silent if attacks on its leaders and offices continued.

Her remarks came after TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged that armed men vandalised the party office in the early hours of Thursday. Ms. Banerjee shared purported CCTV footage on social media showing masked individuals leaving the premises with items such as television sets and a printer. The footage also reportedly showed damaged furniture inside the office.

Police have arrested six people in connection with the incident. The developments have intensified the political confrontation between the ruling TMC and the BJP in West Bengal, with both parties exchanging accusations over law and order and political violence.