TMC Alleges BJP Vandalism at Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata Office
2 sources · India
Who reported this
- Scroll.in
- Hindustan Times
What the colours mean
- Left
- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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Every source for this story reports from India.
The office of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee on Camac Street in Kolkata was ransacked and looted by unidentified masked men early Thursday morning. CCTV footage shared by Banerjee shows the individuals stealing electronic equipment, including televisions and air purifiers, while other visuals show broken furniture and glass. The TMC has since written to President Droupadi Murmu and West Bengal Governor RN Ravi to highlight alleged lawlessness and the misuse of police in the state.
Abhishek Banerjee directly accused the BJP and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari of orchestrating the attack through intimidation and violence. He stated that the Chief Minister has no moral authority to remain in office and called for his resignation. TMC MP Mahua Moitra described the incident as resembling a coup in a banana republic and questioned why police did not intervene. Upashna Chaudhary, the TMC IT Cell in-charge, claimed the attackers assaulted security guards around 3:30 am before entering the premises.
Police have detained six people for questioning as the investigation continues. Banerjee has called upon the Calcutta High Court, the Union home minister, and the Prime Minister's Office to take action. One report notes that this incident follows a series of attacks on TMC offices and leaders since the BJP took power in West Bengal on May 4, including incidents in Sonarpur and Krishnanagar.
Outlets with different political leanings framed the event differently. A center-right source focused on the official communications to the President and Governor and the police detentions. A left-leaning source emphasized the specific items stolen and provided broader context regarding a pattern of attacks against the TMC since the change in government.
How each side framed it
- Left
- The report emphasized the 'hooliganism' of the attackers and framed the event as part of a wider trend of BJP-led violence against the opposition.
- Centre-right
- The report focused on the formal administrative appeals to the President and Governor and the police's progress in detaining suspects.
Sources
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