BJP has demanded an NIA probe into the attack on MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh in Jalpaiguri, accusing the West Bengal government of inaction. Suvendu Adhikari warned of legal steps if arrests were not made promptly.
The political atmosphere in West Bengal has intensified after the brutal attack on BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh in Jalpaiguri district. The state BJP unit has demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident, accusing the state administration of failing to maintain law and order.
On Monday, Khagen Murmu, the BJP MP from Maldaha Uttar, and Shankar Ghosh, the party’s MLA from Siliguri, were allegedly attacked by a group of miscreants while on their way to meet victims of the recent landslides in north Bengal. The incident occurred in Nagrakata under Jalpaiguri district when the leaders were distributing relief materials to affected families.
According to party sources, the attackers physically assaulted both leaders, leaving Murmu with serious injuries to his face and head. He was rushed to a nearby primary health centre and later shifted to a hospital in Siliguri, where he is currently undergoing treatment. His condition is reported to be stable, while MLA Ghosh sustained minor bruises.
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose visited the injured MP at the Siliguri hospital on Tuesday, expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
BJP Blames State Government for Law and Order Breakdown
State BJP President Samik Bhattacharya, addressing a press conference in Kolkata, strongly condemned the attack and questioned why the accused were still absconding even after 24 hours. “We are demanding an NIA investigation into this incident. This cannot continue again and again. If anyone thinks that the BJP can be intimidated by attacking an MP and making him bleed, then they are wrong,” Bhattacharya said.
He further alleged that the Mamata Banerjee-led state government has failed to act swiftly. “Those who carried out the attack yesterday, even if they have gone hiding, our government (Centre) will drag them out through the legal system,” Bhattacharya asserted, adding that political violence against opposition leaders has become a recurring phenomenon in West Bengal.
Suvendu Adhikari Warns of Legal Action
Leader of Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari, who is currently in north Bengal to monitor rescue operations following massive landslides that claimed at least 36 lives, also lashed out at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for its alleged inaction.
Speaking to media persons, Adhikari warned that the BJP would move the Calcutta High Court if no arrests were made by Tuesday evening. “Yesterday, our leaders were attacked while providing relief. The people involved were clearly visible in the video of the incident that was circulated. Still, no one has been identified or arrested. We will approach the court if no arrest is made by tonight,” he stated.
Sending a message to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari urged unity in the face of tragedy. “This is not the time for politics. We have to stand by each other and work together if necessary. No one is carrying a party flag while helping the people. Why did they attack Khagen Murmu and Shankar Ghosh? It is very unfortunate,” he said.
Centre Seeks Report from State Government
Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju revealed that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has sought an urgent report from the West Bengal government regarding the attack on the BJP MP. Rijiju, who reached north Bengal on Tuesday to assess the damage caused by the landslides, condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation.
On Monday evening, the BJP lodged an official complaint at Nagrakata Police Station against eight individuals allegedly involved in the attack and staged a protest outside the police station demanding immediate arrests. Despite this, no one has been apprehended so far.
Political Tension Escalates
The incident has once again reignited the political confrontation between the BJP and the ruling TMC over law and order in the state. While BJP leaders are pressing for an NIA probe, the state administration is yet to issue an official statement regarding the progress of the investigation.
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Political analysts believe that such violent episodes could deepen the existing rift between the state and the Centre, especially as both parties gear up for upcoming electoral battles. For now, all eyes are on the West Bengal government’s next steps and whether swift action will be taken against those responsible for the attack on the sitting MP and MLA.