Chaos erupted at BJP national president Amit Shah’s roadshow in Kolkata on Tuesday where clashes broke out between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters and student activists after the latter protested against the BJP chief’s rally.
The violence started after stones were pelted at Amit Shah’s convoy as it passed through College Street and some students of Vidyasagar College shouted slogans against Shah. They showed black flags and waved posters with “Go back Amit Shah” written on them.
According to the sources, the agitated BJP workers locked the gates of the hostel and set blaze motorbikes parked outside.
A bust of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also broken by BJP supporters during the clash, the officials said.
Some people have been arrested, said police.
TMC spokesperson Derek O’ Brien claimed that BJP had brought in “desperate goons” to smash statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
“Desperate BJP goons from outside Bengal smash statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar inside the college. Violent mob of BJP ‘outsiders’ in presence of Pukeworthy Shah. How little you know about Bengal, its rich history, its culture. Bengal will never forgive for what you did today,” Brien said in a tweet.
“Hired goons of BJP vandalised Calcutta University and Vidyasagar College, bikes set ablaze, bust of Vidyasagar demolished today during roadshow of BJP President in Kolkata today. What a tribute to Vidyasagar on the eve of his bicentenary,” he added.
Condemning the violence, Union minister Arun Jaitley asked if Bengal had “acquired a government of gangsters”.
“Has Bengal acquired a Government of Gangsters? The attack on Amit Shah’s peaceful rally by the TMC is deplorable . Is a free & fair Poll possible in Bengal? All eyes are now on the Election Commission,” Arun Jaitley tweeted.
“Keep it up Amit Bhai. Only Modi Ji and you can do in Bengal what others failed to realise. Victory is now at an arm’s length distance,” Jaitley added.
Amit Shah said in a tweet, “I am sure this massive support for the BJP among people of Bengal must have shaken the anarchist Mamata government. Time to pack up, Mamata Didi.”
“Writing on the wall is clear and Mamata didi has read it well. Didi, your violence and hooliganism can no more stop the people of Bengal from reclaiming the true legacy of this great land,” Shah added.
On Monday, Amit Shah was allegedly denied permission to land his chopper for one of his three rallies in West Bengal.
