Durgapur: Tension has gripped the Newton area of Durgapur in West Bengal after a fierce clash broke out between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The violent altercation reportedly sparked over the installation of banners and flags extending Vijayadashami greetings.
According to initial reports, what began as a heated verbal argument rapidly escalated into a physical confrontation. Members from both political factions were seen assaulting each other and pelting eggs. The situation turned particularly ugly when a young man was allegedly pushed into an open drain and brutally beaten up during the chaos.
Upon receiving information about the escalating violence, a contingent from the Durgapur police station rushed to the scene to pacify the warring groups. However, the police team also faced resistance, with reports indicating that personnel were pushed and shoved while attempting to bring the situation under control.
The local BJP unit has levelled serious allegations against Bunty Singh, a former core committee member of the Trinamool workers’ union. BJP leaders claim that Singh arrived with his supporters and deliberately removed the festive flags and banners that the saffron party workers had installed. When the BJP workers protested against the removal, the scuffle broke out.
Adding a layer of political intrigue to the dispute, a local BJP leader claimed that the banners were put up in preparation for a ‘Vijaya Sammelan’ (a post-Durga Puja gathering). The leader further alleged that Bunty Singh has been desperately trying to join the BJP since October 4, but the party has firmly decided not to induct him. This has led to speculation that the fight over the banners was not merely about festive greetings but a show of political strength and an extension of party-switching rumours.
Heavy police deployment remains in the Newton area to prevent any further flare-ups, and an investigation is currently underway to verify the sequence of events and the claims made by both sides.