The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formally requested a detailed report from the office of West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, concerning a serious alleged attack on his convoy. The incident, which involved supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), occurred late on Saturday evening, January 10, 2026, near Purulia, escalating political tensions in the state.
Details of the Alleged Attack
According to Adhikari, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, the attack took place around 8:20 PM as he was returning from Purulia. When his convoy reached the Chandrakona Road Market area in West Midnapore district, a group allegedly carrying TMC flags blocked the road. Adhikari claimed these individuals attacked his vehicles with bamboo sticks and were also in possession of a petrol can.
He stated that the local police did not arrive at the scene during the incident. Adhikari credited the bulletproof glass of his vehicle for protecting him from injury. A scuffle ensued when his security team and local BJP supporters intervened to remove the alleged attackers from the road.
Political Accusations and Counterclaims
Following the event, Adhikari went to a nearby police outpost and staged a nearly six-hour dharna. He accused the police of attempting to register the case under bailable sections for the accused. Speaking to the media, he linked the violence to the approaching elections, alleging, "The elections are approaching, and they know they are losing. That is why they want to eliminate the BJP from West Bengal." He also announced plans to approach the Calcutta High Court and hold a protest rally in Chandrakona on the coming Tuesday.
In a sharp rebuttal, TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty provided a completely different narrative. He claimed that it was Adhikari who instructed his Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) security detail to conduct a lathi charge. Chakraborty alleged that the security forces, unable to identify BJP workers, ended up assaulting Adhikari's own party members.
Escalating Tensions and National Attention
BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar condemned the attack, stating it happened in police presence and was part of a recurring pattern. He suggested that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee might be allowing such incidents to provoke central intervention and then garner public sympathy. Majumdar hinted at the potential need for deploying central forces in the state pre-elections.
This is not the first time Adhikari's convoy has faced an alleged attack. A similar incident was reported in August 2025 in Cooch Behar town, North Bengal. The MHA's direct intervention by seeking a report underscores the seriousness with which the central government is viewing this latest episode of political violence in West Bengal. According to BJP sources, Adhikari's office plans to submit video evidence of the incident to the MHA.
