Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court on Thursday in connection with a case concerning post-poll violence in the state.
Her appearance drew attention as she arrived wearing a black lawyer’s gown, symbolising her intent to personally argue the matter.
The case involves allegations of attacks on political workers and damage to party offices following the recent Assembly elections, which ended the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule and brought the BJP to power in West Bengal. The petition, filed by Shirshanya Bandopadhyay, son of senior TMC leader and advocate Kalyan Bandopadhyay, accuses rival groups of orchestrating politically motivated assaults.
The TMC stated on X that Banerjee’s presence in court reflected her determination to uphold truth and constitutional values. The party also criticised the BJP for allegedly inciting unrest, while the BJP dismissed these claims.
The hearing comes amid growing tension in West Bengal, where reports of violence have surfaced since the May 4 election results. Clashes, vandalism, and bomb attacks have been reported across several districts, with both parties blaming each other. The situation worsened after Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead on May 6, raising further concerns over law and order.
