Unrest broke out on Wednesday in the Asansol South Assembly constituency as BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul faced stiff protests from rival party workers while carrying out her public outreach drive in the New Egara area. The incident, which began as a verbal confrontation, escalated into physical scuffles between BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters.

Clash Erupts During Door-to-Door Campaign

The unrest unfolded at Panda Bandhpara, where Paul was conducting a door-to-door campaign as part of her engagement with constituents. A group of local TMC workers reportedly arrived at the site and began shouting slogans of “Go Back” — a popular chant used to pressurise politicians perceived as unwelcome. Some also raised the slogan “Joy Bangla,” a phrase often associated with regional identity and political assertion in West Bengal.

What began as shouting quickly intensified. Verbal exchanges between members of the rival camps turned heated, with pushing and jostling reported on the narrow streets before the situation turned physical. BJP leaders alleged that one of their activists was attacked in front of the MLA, while the protesters claimed their actions were a response to longstanding grievances.

Protesters Cite Neglect and Unfulfilled Promises

Local demonstrators criticised Paul for her limited visibility in the constituency over the past five years, saying she predominantly appeared only ahead of election cycles. They accused her of not fulfilling several promises made during earlier campaigns and of neglecting grassroots engagement between elections. Village panchayat representatives, aligned with the TMC, were described as more approachable and responsive to residents’ needs.

Political Charges and Countercharges

In response, Agnimitra Paul accused TMC members of orchestrating the disruption to intentionally derail her campaign efforts. She defended her outreach activities and criticised the state government for perceived developmental failures, particularly in areas like road repair, drainage maintenance and street lighting — issues councillors say fall within local jurisdiction.

TMC activist Suman Mandal dismissed Paul’s defence, reiterating claims that the MLA had been largely inactive for years and painting local party leaders as the primary drivers of development in the area.

Law Enforcement Restores Calm

As tensions peaked, police and specialised units were called in to disperse the crowds and restore order. Normalcy was eventually reestablished, though the clash has deepened political fault lines in Asansol South amid an already charged electoral atmosphere. With state assembly elections approaching, such confrontations underscore rising political polarisation in key battlegrounds like this constituency.

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