BJP's Bharati Ghosh breaks down after being heckled, blames Trinamool
What's the story
Bharati Ghosh was once West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's trusted aide. After falling out with Trinamool Chief, the former IPS officer joined BJP and is now contesting polls from Ghatal Lok Sabha seat. On Sunday, when Ghosh tried to enter a booth in Keshpur area of West Medinipur district, she was heckled. BJP claimed it was Trinamool's handiwork. Here are more details.
What happened
Ghosh was cornered by women supporters of Trinamool
Ghosh was allegedly surrounded by women supporters of ruling Trinamool when she tried to enter. She was pushed to the ground and broke into tears. Later, her convoy was attacked with bricks near Keshpur. One of her security guards fired in the violence, injuring a Trinamool worker. Meanwhile, Election Commission has sought report as Ghosh allegedly tried to enter a booth with her phone.
Twitter Post
Here are the visuals of attack on Ghosh's convoy
West Bengal: Vehicles in BJP Candidate from Ghatal, Bharti Ghosh's convoy vandalized. BJP has alleged that TMC workers are behind the attack pic.twitter.com/xdsJNkKhV8
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2019
Statement
Ghosh alleged TMC hired women, called for their arrest
Speaking to the press, Ghosh said the workers who manhandled her should be arrested. "I am the candidate. I am being pushed around and heckled. TMC supporters pushed me to the ground. They are not allowing any polling to be held in Keshpur area. These women were hired by the TMC. I shall complain in writing to the EC," she said.
Quote
Meanwhile, Dilip Ghosh said Trinamool is in fear
"TMC knows that BJP is winning here. That is why they are in fear and TMC workers tried to prevent and threaten Ghosh. Local (state) police are mere spectators. They are not calling women cops either," said Dilip Ghosh, the state president of BJP.
Fall out
Once Banerjee's fan, Ghosh became a turncoat
From 2011 to 2017, Ghosh was the superintendent of West Midnapore district. Once, Ghosh famously called Banerjee the mother of Jangalmahal (former Maoist-dominated forested areas of Bengal). However, ties soured after she allegedly grew close to Mukul Roy. After Sabang by-poll in December 2017, Ghosh was given a less-significant post and she took voluntary retirement. Separately, BJP saw her joining as a big boost.
Details
Ghosh has been a controversial candidate
Ghosh found herself at the center of controversy after Rs. 1.13 lakh was seized from her car on Thursday. In her defense, Ghosh said she was carrying Rs. 50,000 and rest belonged to her driver and assistant. A few days ago, Ghosh allegedly told Trinamool supporters that she would drag them like dogs and thrash them if they stopped BJP voters during polling.