West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that several hospitals refused to admit Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee after he was allegedly assaulted during a political visit to Sonarpur, intensifying the political storm surrounding the incident.
Addressing party workers and media persons, Mamata Banerjee claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi personally called her and offered assistance after learning about the attack on Abhishek Banerjee. The TMC chief also accused authorities of exerting pressure on hospitals during the medical emergency.
Mamata’s Allegations Over Hospital Refusal
Speaking after the incident, Mamata Banerjee alleged that hospitals initially hesitated to admit Abhishek Banerjee despite visible injuries sustained during the attack.
“They did not want to admit him. There was pressure. Rahul Gandhi called me and offered help,” Mamata reportedly said while criticising what she described as a politically hostile atmosphere following the assault. (facebook.com)
The Chief Minister claimed the incident reflected a broader attempt to intimidate opposition leaders in West Bengal after the recent Assembly elections.
What Happened To Abhishek Banerjee?
Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked during his visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district, where he had gone to meet families reportedly affected by post-election violence.
Videos from the scene showed chaos as protesters hurled eggs, stones, and slippers toward the TMC leader while security personnel attempted to escort him away safely. (indiatoday.in)
Abhishek Banerjee later alleged that a brick struck near his eye during the violence and described the assault as “pre-planned.”
Medical Report Reveals Injuries
According to preliminary medical assessments cited by TMC leaders, Abhishek Banerjee suffered facial swelling, bruises, and soft tissue injuries during the attack. Party sources claimed doctors advised rest and observation following the examination.
However, official medical documents detailing the full extent of the injuries have not yet been publicly released.
TMC leaders alleged that efforts were made to downplay the seriousness of the incident, while opposition parties questioned the political narrative surrounding the assault.
Rahul Gandhi’s Reported Outreach
Mamata Banerjee’s statement regarding Rahul Gandhi’s phone call has drawn attention because relations between the Congress and TMC have remained politically sensitive in recent months despite both parties being part of the INDIA bloc alliance.
According to TMC sources, Rahul Gandhi expressed concern over the attack and offered any possible assistance required for treatment or political support.
The Congress has not issued a detailed official statement regarding the conversation, but several opposition leaders publicly condemned the violence against Abhishek Banerjee.
BJP Rejects Allegations
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) denied any role in the incident and accused the TMC of attempting to gain political sympathy.
BJP leaders claimed the protests reflected growing public anger against the ruling party in West Bengal and alleged that the TMC was exaggerating the situation for political purposes.
The incident has further intensified tensions between the TMC and BJP, with both parties accusing each other of encouraging political violence in the state.
Political Temperature Rises In Bengal
The attack on Abhishek Banerjee has become one of the biggest political flashpoints in West Bengal following the 2026 Assembly elections. Several opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc condemned the incident, while the TMC announced statewide protests against what it described as a “targeted political attack.”
Police have already arrested multiple individuals in connection with the violence, and investigations are ongoing.
As the political war of words escalates, the Sonarpur incident is likely to remain at the centre of Bengal’s political discourse in the coming days.
