Abhishek Banerjee Attacked in Sonarpur: Eggs Thrown, Black Flags Shown as TMC Leader Visits Slain Worker's Family
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee faced intense protests and an alleged attack in Sonarpur while visiting the family of slain party worker Sanju Karmakar. The incident triggered strong reactions from Mamata Banerjee, Mallikarjun Kharge, Akhilesh Yadav and BJP leaders.
May 30, 2026: Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee faced intense protests and an alleged attack while travelling to Sonarpur on Saturday to meet the family of slain Trinamool worker Sanju Karmakar. What began as a condolence visit soon turned into a major political flashpoint, as protesters allegedly blocked his route, showed black flags, and later threw eggs, shoes, stones, and mud at him.
According to reports, Banerjee first encountered protests near Kamalgazi, where a group of women displayed black flags as his convoy passed through the area. As he entered Sonarpur, the protests intensified, with demonstrators raising slogans of "chor, chor" (thief, thief) and allegedly targeting his vehicle. Visuals from the scene showed eggs being thrown at the Trinamool leader, staining his clothes. Reports also claimed that his spectacles and watch were damaged during the confrontation. At one point, Banerjee reportedly attempted to continue his journey on a motorcycle, but was met with further protests. Since he was wearing a helmet, several objects allegedly struck the helmet instead of causing serious injury.
Despite the disruption, Banerjee eventually reached the residence of Sanju Karmakar and met the bereaved family. Following the meeting, he launched a strong attack on the administration and alleged a complete failure of security arrangements.
Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Security Failure
Speaking to reporters after meeting the family, Banerjee said, "This is the model of a double-engine government. Everyone wanted a double-engine government. They want to kill us. Let them kill us. My body will leave from here if that is what they want. My head was saved only because I was wearing a helmet."
The Trinamool leader further questioned the absence of police personnel during the incident and claimed that video evidence of the entire episode exists.
"The police are nowhere to be found. There is video footage of everything that happened here. The police must answer for this. I can leave this place, but what about this family? They will remain here and could face further attacks. I cannot leave until their security is ensured."
Sonarpur, West Bengal: Local residents raised slogans against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee as he left the residence of the affected family after meeting them pic.twitter.com/jwtec8CMdz
— IANS (@ians_india) May 30, 2026
Banerjee also stated that stronger security arrangements should be put in place immediately and indicated that he was prepared to pursue legal action over the incident. "First, ensure proper security, even if it requires the deployment of the Army. Only then can I leave. I will also approach the High Court and the Supreme Court regarding this incident."
According to party sources, Banerjee remained with the victim's family for some time after the attack and reportedly waited for additional security arrangements before considering his departure.
Political Reactions Pour In
The incident triggered sharp political reactions from leaders across party lines. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh condemned the attack and questioned how such treatment could be justified when a senior leader was visiting the family of a deceased party worker.
"This cannot be called a democratic protest. The party's National General Secretary was going to stand beside the family of a deceased worker, and he was attacked in this manner. Is this the example of peace and democracy that people were promised?" Ghosh said.
The BJP, however, distanced itself from the incident. State BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya denied any involvement and urged all political parties to abandon violence.
"The BJP has nothing to do with this incident. Such things should not happen in a healthy democratic environment. I still say, leave the path of violence and let everyone live in peace," Bhattacharya said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted strongly to the incident and posted on social media: "The rulers have become murderers! BJP should be ashamed."
The controversy also drew national attention. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge strongly condemned the attack and called it an example of political revenge. "I strongly condemn the attack on Abhishek Banerjee while he was travelling to meet a family affected by post-election violence. A popular opposition leader was deliberately not provided adequate security. Political differences can never justify violence," Kharge wrote.
Strongly condemn the shocking attack on MP Shri Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur, as he went to meet the families affected by post-poll violence in the state.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 30, 2026
The deliberate lack of adequate police protection for a prominent Opposition leader speaks volumes about the BJP’s…
Similarly, Akhilesh Yadav questioned the absence of police personnel and alleged that the circumstances surrounding the incident pointed towards a larger conspiracy.
"By carrying out such a deadly attack on a prominent opposition leader, the BJP government has once again demonstrated its politics of hatred and violence. The absence of police in such a sensitive situation raises serious questions and suggests a larger conspiracy," Akhilesh wrote on X.
The Sonarpur incident has now become one of the biggest political controversies in West Bengal, reigniting debates over political violence, opposition security, and the state's law-and-order situation. As accusations and counter-accusations continue to fly, the incident is expected to remain at the centre of political discussions in the coming days.