Kolkata, May 31: Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday alleged that hospitals were being pressured by authorities not to admit TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee following an attack on him during a visit to South 24 Parganas district.
Speaking to reporters after visiting Abhishek Banerjee at a private hospital in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee claimed that hospital authorities had received threats and were facing pressure regarding his treatment.
She alleged that those in power did not want Abhishek Banerjee to receive medical care and claimed that hospital administrators had informed her about receiving threatening calls from the police. According to her, doctors were distressed but were working under pressure.
The TMC chief further accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of interfering in the treatment process and alleged that political considerations were influencing decisions regarding patient care. She described the situation as inhuman and contrary to established laws and procedures.
Earlier in the day, Abhishek Banerjee was admitted to Belle Vue Hospital after he was allegedly attacked during a visit to Sonarpur, where he had gone to meet the family of a man whom the TMC claims was killed in post-poll violence.
The TMC leader alleged that he was targeted in a “BJP-sponsored” attack and claimed there was an attempt on his life. He accused authorities of failing to provide adequate security despite prior alerts from his security personnel.
According to Banerjee, bricks, stones and eggs were hurled at him during the incident, resulting in injuries, including an injury to his eye. He stated that the matter would be brought before the Calcutta High Court and the Governor, and vowed to pursue legal action, including approaching the Supreme Court if necessary.
Banerjee also alleged that security forces failed to respond despite being informed of the situation, suggesting that higher authorities allowed the violence to continue. He maintained that the entire incident had been captured on camera and would serve as evidence in court proceedings.
Meanwhile, the BJP condemned the violence and appealed for peace, even as political tensions escalated over the incident.
The alleged attack has further intensified the political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition TMC in West Bengal amid continuing disputes over incidents of post-poll violence in the state.