Mamata blames BJP for clashes outside Abhishek's home: 'If you want to run a bulldozer, run it over us'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of hooliganism and creating disorder, saying that if they want to run a bulldozer, they will have to run it over them.

On Saturday (7 November), she made the remark holding the BJP directly responsible for the clash outside the residence of Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in South Kolkata.

At least eight people were injured in two successive clashes in front of Abhishek Banerjee's house in the Kalighat area of South Kolkata. The incidents took place between late Friday night (6 November) and Saturday dawn.

Mamata alleged that the attack took place outside Abhishek's house at around 2 am on Friday night, just hours before Kali Puja and Diwali. She claimed this obstructed the observance of the religious festival.

She further alleged that a Durga Puja pandal in the area had been built illegally on the main road, blocking the route of a long-standing traditional puja. She also criticised the authorities for cancelling the permission of the old puja and granting permission for a new one.

Speaking to the news agency ANI, Mamata said, "This is our area. Many processions of Goddess Kali pass through this road. Why are you creating such disorder? You have cancelled the permission of our long-standing traditional puja, yet you are granting permission for a new puja. Last night too, you stopped the local clubs from carrying out their activities. We are part of the INDIA alliance, and that is why they are so resentful."

Accusing the BJP of hooliganism, she added, "Extreme hooliganism is going on here. People turn up at 2 or 3 in the night. If you have the courage to run a bulldozer, run it over us. Why are you coming with a gang of hooligans at 3 in the night to attack Kali Puja? We are doing party work here, and you are coming to obstruct it."

The clash, which took place on the eve of Kali Puja and Diwali, has spread political tension across the Kalighat area. The injured are receiving treatment.

Security has been tightened in the area after the incident. Police are looking into the clashes.