Kolkata, June 2, 2026: Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a day-long dharna in central Kolkata, protesting what she described as a wave of post-poll violence targeting TMC leaders and workers following the recent West Bengal Assembly elections. The demonstration was held at Esplanade’s Y-channel after Kolkata Police reportedly denied permission for the protest at the nearby Rani Rashmoni Road.
Addressing supporters through a megaphone, Banerjee alleged that her party was being systematically targeted after the election results. She claimed that TMC workers had faced attacks, intimidation, and displacement in several parts of the state. According to the TMC leadership, the protest was also prompted by the recent attack on party MP Abhishek Banerjee and other leaders.
The protest drew several senior TMC leaders, including Firhad Hakim, Derek O’Brien, Madan Mitra, Kalyan Banerjee, and Dola Sen. Party workers gathered in large numbers, raising slogans in support of the leadership and condemning the alleged violence. The dharna witnessed energetic scenes as supporters voiced their concerns over the post-election political atmosphere in the state.
Mamata Banerjee accused political opponents of attempting to weaken the Trinamool Congress through intimidation and pressure tactics. She alleged that there was an organized effort to destabilize the party and vowed to continue fighting against what she called political persecution. “We will continue our democratic movement,” she said during the protest.
The BJP, however, rejected the allegations and maintained that public anger against the TMC was a result of the party’s governance record. BJP leaders also dismissed claims of orchestrated attacks and accused the Trinamool Congress of using protests for political purposes.
Political tensions in West Bengal have intensified since the election results, with both parties exchanging accusations over violence and law-and-order issues. Analysts believe the latest dharna reflects the continuing political polarization in the state and signals that the confrontation between the TMC and BJP is likely to remain a major issue in the coming months.
The protest continued throughout the day as scheduled, with TMC leaders reiterating their demand for protection of party workers and action against those responsible for the alleged incidents of post-poll violence.
