Congress’s Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was also stopped, pointed out that it was a public road.

Congress’s Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was also stopped, pointed out that it was a public road.

Political Controversy Erupts as Police Block Visits to Sandeshkhali: Congress and BJP Delegations Stopped

The political atmosphere in West Bengal has become charged following the police’s obstruction of visits to Sandeshkhali by both Congress and BJP delegations. The BJP’s planned visit saw a diversion to the West Bengal Raj Bhavan, while Congress’s Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury staged a protest where he was halted.

Congress’s Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was also stopped, pointed out that it was a public road.

The actions of the police drew sharp criticism from both parties, with accusations of unconstitutional and unethical behavior directed towards West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The six-member BJP delegation, including Union Ministers Annapurna Devi and Pratima Bhowmick, was halted merely five kilometers from Sandeshkhali, at Rampur. Similarly, the Congress team, led by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, faced obstacles at Sarberia and Rampur. The parties condemned these actions in unison.

The unrest in Sandeshkhali has led to the imposition of prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144, following violent protests by local villagers. Allegations against local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh and associates include land grabbing, sexual harassment, and assault on local laborers.

Reports indicate that the BJP leaders were stopped by the police upon reaching Rampur, where they alleged mistreatment and were compelled to stage a dharna for hours. Annapurna Devi expressed dismay, highlighting the contradiction of allowing criminals freedom while impeding elected representatives from addressing citizens’ concerns.

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul emphasized their attempts to comply with regulations, only to be met with persistent obstruction. Despite this, the delegation managed to connect with women in Sandeshkhali via video call before redirecting their efforts to the Raj Bhawan in Kolkata to meet Governor C V Ananda Bose.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s protest in Rampur underscored his questioning of the legitimacy of police barricades on public roads. He dismissed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s allegations linking the BJP and RSS to instigating trouble in Sandeshkhali, condemning what he deemed divisive politics.

In contrast, TMC MP Shantanu Sen defended the police’s actions, questioning the BJP’s motives and citing their alleged lack of proactiveness in previous incidents. Sen echoed the sentiment that allowing the BJP delegation entry could destabilize the state’s atmosphere.