BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul Faces ‘Go Back’ Slogans In Asansol As BJP And TMC Workers Clash During Outreach Drive

Political tensions escalated in West Bengal’s Asansol South constituency after BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul faced protests during a public outreach programme, triggering clashes between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the ruling Trinamool Congress. The incident unfolded in the New Egara area, where the MLA was conducting a door-to-door campaign aimed at reconnecting with local residents.

According to local accounts, a group of TMC supporters gathered at Panda Bandhpara during the campaign and began raising “Go Back” slogans. Some protesters were also heard chanting political slogans, which prompted a counter-response from BJP workers present at the spot. What began as a verbal exchange quickly intensified, leading to heated arguments and pushing between rival groups.

Eyewitnesses said the situation briefly turned chaotic as supporters from both sides engaged in a scuffle, creating panic among residents. BJP leaders alleged that one of their party workers was assaulted during the confrontation, claiming that the protest was deliberately staged to disrupt the MLA’s public interaction programme. Party representatives said such actions were aimed at preventing political outreach ahead of upcoming elections.

Protesters, however, presented a different perspective, accusing the MLA of being largely absent from the constituency over the past several years. They alleged that she had returned to the area only as elections approached and claimed that several earlier promises remained unfulfilled. Demonstrators also credited local panchayat representatives and TMC leaders for ongoing development work, including improvements to roads, drainage systems, and basic civic infrastructure.

Responding to the allegations, Agnimitra Paul maintained that she would continue meeting residents despite resistance from political opponents. She criticised the state administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on development commitments and attempting to block opposition outreach. The MLA also argued that many civic projects fall under the jurisdiction of local bodies rather than individual legislators.

Meanwhile, TMC representatives accused the BJP of trying to politicise local issues and denied allegations of orchestrating violence. A local party worker claimed that development initiatives in the area had been carried out by the ruling party’s grassroots leadership, adding that public dissatisfaction had triggered the protests.

Police and security personnel were deployed to the location after tensions escalated, eventually restoring order and dispersing the crowd. Officials said the situation was brought under control without major injuries, although the confrontation has further intensified political friction in the region.

As West Bengal moves closer to its Assembly elections, such confrontations underline the growing intensity of political competition at the grassroots level. Analysts believe that campaign activities in constituencies like Asansol South are likely to witness heightened rhetoric and increased mobilisation by both major parties, reflecting the broader polarisation shaping the state’s political landscape.