Congress accuses BJP of security lapse after attack on Abhishek Banerjee

On Wednesday evening, Abhishek Banerjee, the Congress party’s general secretary and MP from Hooghly, was caught off‑guard when a group of unidentified men rushed his office in Kolkata’s Burrabazar area. The assailants, armed with iron rods and a stick, managed to strike the politician before fleeing as quickly as they had appeared.

Banerjee, who was alone at the time, sustained minor injuries to his arm and shoulder. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed that his wounds were not life‑threatening. He left the hospital later that night, insisting that “the fight continues” and urging his party workers to stay calm.

The Congress quickly seized on the incident, claiming it was a clear sign of a “security lapse” that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was responsible for. In a press conference held the next day, senior Congress leaders accused the central government of turning a blind eye to threats against opposition figures. “We have repeatedly asked for proper protection for our leaders, yet today we see the worst of it,” said Gaurav Gogoi, a Lok Sabha MP, adding that the attack appeared “pre‑planned and coordinated.”

BJP leaders, for their part, dismissed the accusations as “political theatrics”. A senior spokesperson said the party had no role in the incident and that “law‑enforcement agencies are already investigating the matter and will bring the culprits to justice”. He also reminded the public that the state police, not the central government, are in charge of day‑to‑day security in West Bengal.

West Bengal Police opened a case under sections relating to assault and attempted murder. Within hours, they detained two suspects, but the investigation remains ongoing. The police chief, Ashok Kumar, assured the media that “all leads are being pursued and we will keep the public informed.”

The episode has ignited a fresh round of protests across the state. Thousands of Congress supporters gathered outside the party’s state office, chanting slogans and demanding stricter protection for opposition members. Meanwhile, rival parties have called for a “comprehensive review of security protocols for all elected representatives”.

While the political fallout is still unfolding, one thing is clear: the incident has once again highlighted the fragile nature of political safety in India’s charged atmosphere. Whether the attack leads to any substantive changes in security arrangements remains to be seen, but the Congress will certainly keep pressing the issue in the days ahead.