TMC MLA Madan Mitra’s vehicle was allegedly attacked by protesters in Kolkata’s Kamarhati area on Saturday evening, with demonstrators hurling eggs and shouting slogans demanding the return of alleged “cut money” collected from local residents. Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, while the Trinamool Congress leader later said he was not inside the vehicle when the attack took place.

According to local reports, the incident occurred in Ariadaha after a meeting outside the residence of a councillor from Ward No. 14. A large number of auto-rickshaw and e-rickshaw drivers had gathered near the venue to press for the return of money they claimed had been collected from them over the years. Protesters allegedly accused local leaders of extortion and raised slogans against them.

As tensions escalated, demonstrators reportedly rushed towards Madan Mitra’s car and threw eggs at it. Visuals from the scene showed some people chasing the vehicle for a short distance, while one individual appeared to pick up a brick from the road. No serious injuries were reported.

Madan Mitra later stated that he was not present in the car during the incident. However, he alleged that his driver was attacked during the chaos.

Protest by Transport Workers

According to media reports, auto-rickshaw and e-rickshaw drivers attending the gathering accused certain local leaders of collecting illegal payments in the name of “cut money.” Their protest intensified during the meeting, prompting security concerns and leading to Mitra's departure from the area.

The allegations made by protesters have not been independently verified, and there was no immediate response from local TMC leaders regarding the specific accusations.

BJP Reacts

Reacting to the incident, BJP MP Raju Bista said his party does not support violence and urged aggrieved citizens to approach the police and legal authorities. He alleged that public anger against the ruling Trinamool Congress had been building over the years.

Bista claimed that dissatisfaction among residents was increasingly becoming visible, but stressed that grievances should be addressed through constitutional and legal means.

Political Challenges for TMC

The latest incident comes amid reports of internal strains within the Trinamool Congress. Media reports have suggested dissatisfaction among sections of party leaders and local representatives, although the party has not officially confirmed claims regarding factional divisions or resignations.

The attack on Madan Mitra is also the third incident involving senior TMC leaders within the past ten days. On May 30, members of a delegation led by Abhishek Banerjee reportedly faced stone-pelting and protests in South 24 Parganas. A day later, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee was allegedly injured after being hit by a stone during a protest in Hooghly district.

Separately, demonstrations were also witnessed outside courts during the appearance of arrested TMC leaders, where protesters carrying eggs raised slogans demanding accountability.

Political observers say the recent incidents highlight growing tensions at the grassroots level in West Bengal ahead of future electoral battles. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the latest protest and determine whether any legal action is required.