Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (Mamata faction) chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday slapped one of her party workers after appearing to lose her temper amid chaotic scenes following the party's youth wing rally in Kolkata.
The incident took place outside Banerjee's residence in Kalighat. According to party sources, several workers and leaders were injured during the rally, prompting Banerjee to personally arrange vehicles to transport them to hospitals. She was also seen instructing party workers to clear the area outside her residence to ensure the vehicles could move without obstruction.
Amid the commotion, Banerjee appeared to lose her composure and slapped a party worker who was standing behind her while attempting to form a protective cordon around her. The incident was captured on camera, and the video has since gone viral on social media.
The Trinamool Congress (Mamata faction) has not issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
Rally descends into chaos, TMC blames BJP for clashes
The incident followed a Trinamool Congress student and youth wing rally in Kolkata that descended into chaos on Wednesday.
The march, organised to protest the alleged rape and murder of a minor in Baruipur, was proceeding from Ballygunge Phari to Hazra with permission from the Calcutta High Court when, according to the TMC, BJP supporters infiltrated the procession and attempted to obstruct it.
The situation quickly escalated into sloganeering, scuffles and physical clashes. Eggs were also thrown at several TMC leaders, while slogans of "chor-chor" ("thief, thief") were raised during the protest.
The Trinamool Congress alleged that despite the presence of Kolkata Police and central security forces, the authorities failed to control the situation. The party claimed that 41 of its workers, supporters and leaders, including members of its student and youth wings, were injured in the violence and admitted to SSKM Hospital.
The TMC accused "BJP goons" of attacking its workers during the rally. The BJP has not yet responded to the allegation.
Police said an investigation into the clashes and the videos circulating on social media is underway.
