Bhawanipur by-election: Violence on the last day of campaigning, Dilip Ghosh's security personnel point a gun at TMC workers

Today is the last day of campaigning for the Bhawanipur by-election. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers clashed in Kolkata today. Former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh was also allegedly thrashed. After the incident at a rally of the saffron camp in Jadubabu Bazar, the BJP compared the Bengal government to the Taliban regime. TMC workers raised slogans of 'Go back to Dilip Ghosh'.

The security personnel accompanying Ghosh had to get him out safely. Two of them were caught on camera when they pointed guns at TMC workers to intimidate them. During this Ghosh also got agitated and started shouting at the crowd. They also raised slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram.

Ghosh, who was caught on camera, can be heard saying, "I will strangle you. Don't think I am a eunuch. Shout at Abhishek Banerjee." The incident took place at Jadu Babu Bazaar where Ghosh was campaigning on foot.

Let us tell you that many BJP workers were injured in this clash. Regarding this violence, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul said, "TMC government including CM Mamata Banerjee is intolerant, not allowing us to the campaign. TMC goons tortured our workers, beat them up. From voting on 30 September. Decide first."

Party MP Arjun Singh also faced some hurdles when he was touring the constituency for the election campaign of party candidate Priyanka Tiberwal in the Bhawanipur Constituency.

There is a total of 2,06,389 voters in Bhawanipur Constituency and eight municipal wards have been created. In the by-election, candidates of Trinamool Congress, BJP, and CPI(M) have entered the fray, while the Congress is not contesting from this seat.

It is worth mentioning that Minister Shobhandev Chattopadhyay had won from this seat in the last March-April assembly elections but he resigned so that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee could contest from here. Mamta lost the Nandigram seat in the East Midnapore district to Suvendu Adhikari. Mamata Banerjee must win the election from any seat again within six months to remain the Chief Minister. So that he remains the Chief Minister. She is contesting from her old seat.

On the recent clash between BJP and TMC workers, Leader of Opposition in Bengal Assembly Shubhendu Adhikari said, "The situation is very serious. The election commission is not doing anything. A team from our party met the EC in Delhi and here (in Kolkata) our delegation met him several times, but the Election Commission has not taken any action till now.

The Election Commission has sought a report from the state government regarding the uproar in Bhawanipur today. The Election Commission has asked to submit the report by 4 pm.