Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly assaulted in West Bengal's Sonarpur area on Sunday, May 30, 2026. A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows Banerjee being attacked with eggs, slapped, and kicked by a group of individuals during a public event.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place when Banerjee was attending a local program in Sonarpur, located in the South 24 Parganas district. According to eyewitnesses, a group of people suddenly started throwing eggs at the TMP leader and then physically assaulted him. The assailants also allegedly used abusive language against Banerjee.
Security personnel present at the scene intervened and managed to rescue Banerjee from the attackers. However, by that time, the MP had already sustained minor injuries. He was later taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Political Reactions
The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. TMC workers and supporters staged protests in several parts of the state, demanding immediate arrest of the culprits. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee condemned the attack and assured strict action against those responsible.
On the other hand, opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, have also criticized the assault. However, some BJP leaders alleged that the incident might be a result of internal conflicts within the TMC.
Police Investigation
The local police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter. Several suspects have been detained for questioning. Authorities are also analyzing the viral video to identify the attackers.
The incident has raised concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal, especially during election season. Political violence has been a recurring issue in the state, with several incidents reported in the past.
Background
Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is a prominent TMC leader and the party's national general secretary. He represents the Diamond Harbour constituency in the Lok Sabha. The attack comes just months ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, where the TMC is seeking a third consecutive term.
The assault on Banerjee is likely to intensify the political rhetoric in the state, with the TMC accusing the opposition of orchestrating the attack. Meanwhile, the opposition has demanded a thorough investigation and questioned the security arrangements for VIPs.
