'How many bulldozers do you have?': Mamata slams BJP
What's the story
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for an alleged attack on her nephew Abhishek Banerjee's residence, asking, "How many bulldozers do you have?" She dared the ruling party to mow her down. The incident in question took place in Kolkata's Kalighat area around 2:00am. Abhishek, a Diamond Harbour MP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, claimed that BJP-backed goons attacked his home after a clash with TMC supporters.
Challenge issued
How many bulldozers do you have? Mamata challenges BJP
Mamata visited Abhishek after the incident and challenged the BJP.
She said, "How many bulldozers do you have? Come, I am standing right in front of you. Run the bulldozers over my body, my chest. I want to see how courageous you are."
She also alleged that traditional Kali Puja celebrations were disrupted in Kalighat, with permissions revoked for some long-standing pujas while a newly organized one was allowed on the main road.
Accusations made
BJP using hooliganism to create disturbances: Mamata
Mamata also accused local clubs of being prevented from their activities and alleged that the BJP was using hooliganism to create disturbances.
She questioned why a newly organized puja was allowed on the main road when it had traditionally been held inside a premises.
The former Chief Minister reiterated her challenge to the BJP over bulldozer use, saying she would rather face them than let such actions continue.
Celebration disruption
Clash between TMC, BJP supporters
Mamata alleged that the attack was part of disruptions to Kali Puja celebrations.
"You have revoked permissions for our traditional, long-standing pujas while allowing new ones to be held instead," she said.
The clashes reportedly occurred between supporters of Abhishek's TMC and the BJP, with both sides blaming each other for the violence.