Violence Erupts Between TMC and BJP Supporters in Kolkata Ahead of PM Modi’s Rally
Clashes erupt in central Kolkata between TMC and BJP supporters ahead of PM Modi’s rally, police intervene to restore order.
Tensions flared in central Kolkata on Saturday afternoon as violent clashes broke out between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) near Girish Park. The confrontation occurred just five kilometres from the Brigade Parade Ground, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lead a large rally later in the day, marking the finale of the BJP’s 'Parivartan Yatra'.
Eyewitnesses reported that the clashes began as BJP activists marched toward the rally venue, chanting slogans in support of the Prime Minister. The procession was reportedly pelted with stones, triggering a chaotic scene in which both sides allegedly engaged in stone-throwing. One BJP worker told local media, “We were heading to the rally peacefully when they started throwing stones without any provocation and shouting abuses at us,” and claimed that several party vehicles were vandalised during the unrest.
TMC supporters, however, countered the BJP’s claims, insisting that the marchers initiated the violence. Local party members alleged that BJP activists hurled insults and stones at TMC workers and residential areas, escalating tensions. Law enforcement officials were deployed swiftly to contain the situation and restore order ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival.
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The violence casts a shadow over what was intended as a major political show of strength for the BJP ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Political analysts note that clashes between party supporters have heightened the stakes, as both sides intensify campaigning in the state’s highly competitive political landscape.
Aside from the political messaging, the Prime Minister is also expected to inaugurate a series of development projects valued at over ₹18,000 crore during the rally. Police in Kolkata have imposed a heightened security presence throughout the city to prevent the unrest from spreading to other neighbourhoods.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasising crowd control and swift intervention to ensure public safety. Officials warned that any further escalation could prompt additional measures, including traffic diversions and restrictions on public gatherings in sensitive areas.
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