Opposition leaders condemn 'attack' on Mamata Banerjee's convoy, target BJP
Akhilesh, Kejriwal, Tejashwi accuse BJP of creating climate of violence against opposition leaders
Several opposition leaders have strongly condemned the alleged attack on Trinamool Congress chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's convoy, accusing the BJP and the government of allowing a climate of violence and intimidation against opposition leaders.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav described the incident as "very sad" and "condemnable", adding that Banerjee is a senior political leader and a former elected Chief Minister.
He said that if the government was behind the incident, it would be "highly reprehensible", and asserted that ensuring Banerjee's security was the government's responsibility.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal also reacted strongly, calling the incident "absolutely shocking and horrifying". In a post, he said the alleged attackers had shown "audacity" in targeting the car of a former Chief Minister and expressed solidarity with Banerjee.
The former Delhi CM also accused the BJP of deliberately compromising law and order in West Bengal to threaten and attack opposition leaders.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav termed the incident a "deadly attack" and said there was "no place for violence in a democracy". He accused the BJP of promoting "anarchy, hatred and violence" and said such developments were deeply unfortunate for India's democratic institutions.
Tejashwi further alleged that anti-social elements were undermining India's constitutional and democratic values in BJP-ruled states. He also questioned the Centre's silence over the incident, alleging that the lack of a response amounted to "tacit support".
Mamata Banerjee's car was allegedly attacked in North 24 Parganas on Sunday while she was visiting the family of a TMC worker who had allegedly died in police custody. Banerjee alleged that her car was hit with "big stones, bricks and sticks" that could have "even killed" her.
Senior TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, who accompanied her, alleged that the "attacks were carried out by BJP people". The BJP, however, denied any role in the incident and said the party does not endorse such acts.
