Trinamool MLA attacked in Haldia during Kali Puja; husband accuses party leader

On the night of Kali Puja, Trinamool Congress MLA Usharani Mondal was violently attacked in Haldia, West Bengal, as she was returning from a local police station where a community celebration was held. Eyewitness accounts indicate that as her vehicle approached the area, a mob of approximately 100 to 200 individuals, allegedly led by fellow party leader Abdul Khalek Mollah, surrounded and pelted the car with bricks. Usharani was forcibly pulled from her vehicle and assaulted with a baton, resulting in significant injuries. Her husband, Mrityunjay Mondal, who attempted to intervene, also sustained injuries during the incident. Reports confirm that several of Usharani's supporters were injured in the melee and have since been hospitalized for treatment.

Mrityunjay Mondal has publicly accused Abdul Khalek Mollah, the vice president of the Panchayat Samiti, of masterminding the attack. He recounted that the couple was returning home when the assault occurred, expressing that the aggression was both unprovoked and targeted. Mrityunjay emphasized that the attack took place in the presence of police officers, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in maintaining order during politically charged events. This incident comes amid rising tensions in the region, where political rivalries have historically been fraught with violence.

The attack has intensified discussions about internal strife within the Trinamool Congress, particularly in the Haldia area, which has seen significant factionalism. For months, there have been rumors surrounding Usharani’s alleged ties to the BJP, exacerbated by her absence from key party meetings, including a recent gathering led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. During this meeting, Banerjee publicly reprimanded Usharani for her absence and warned that any disconnect from party activities could jeopardize her standing. This public admonishment has been interpreted by some as an indicator of Usharani's declining influence within the party, contributing to a perception of vulnerability that may have emboldened her attackers.

In the wake of the attack, Abdul Khalek Mollah has categorically denied the allegations made against him and his associates. He claimed that there is no internal factionalism at play and suggested that Usharani's connections to the BJP are well-established. Mollah stated he possesses evidence supporting his claims and called for a thorough investigation by the Trinamool Congress to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack. He further emphasized that the incident should not be viewed as a reflection of the party's internal dynamics but rather as an isolated occurrence.