BJP Workers Hold Union Minister Hostage in Bankura, Accuse State Govt of 'Tyranny'
Protest Erupts Over Alleged Favoritism in District Committee Appointments
BANKURA: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Bankura, West Bengal, locked Union Minister of State for Education and Bankura MP, Subhash Sarkar, in the party office for nearly two hours on Tuesday. The incident unfolded during a meeting presided over by the minister when a group of agitated BJP workers stormed the district office, accusing the government of practicing 'tyranny' in its handling of the district unit.
-- Allegations of Favoritism
According to one of the protestors, Mohit Sharma, the government has been neglecting dedicated party workers while favoring individuals with closer ties to the administration for district committee memberships. Sharma stated, "Some of us were issued show cause notices. We are protesting to safeguard the party's interests. Due to incompetence, the BJP failed to secure a single seat in Bankura Municipality this time, in contrast to the previous elections where the party won two wards. Additionally, they were unable to field candidates in numerous panchayat seats. It's a matter of shame."
As tensions escalated, another group of BJP workers arrived at the scene, leading to a scuffle between the two factions. To restore order, a substantial police force was dispatched to the party office, eventually securing the minister's release.
-- BJP's Response
Samik Bhattacharya, the BJP's state spokesperson, expressed his dismay over the incident and emphasized that such actions were unacceptable within a disciplined party like the BJP. He commented, "If anyone has grievances, there are appropriate channels to address them. Action will be taken against those involved in this incident."