Violence erupted in south Kolkata’s Kalighat area during the early hours of Saturday, 7 November 2026, after clashes broke out between workers of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) outside the residence of AITC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
The clashes occurred between 2:00 AM and 3:30 AM as AITC workers were preparing for Banerjee’s 39th birthday. Police officials confirmed that at least eight people were injured, with three suffering severe injuries.
AITC Allegations & Dharna Outside Residence
AITC supporters alleged that BJP workers launched an unprovoked assault, vandalising birthday banners and cutouts while shouting political slogans.
- Assault Allegations: AITC leadership claimed BJP workers targeted the location and attacked both party supporters and police personnel attempting to restore order.
- Overnight Sit-In: Following the incident, Banerjee held a sit-in demonstration (dharna) outside his residence until 6:30 AM, calling for strict police action against those responsible.
BJP Counter-Claims & Counter-Statements
BJP representatives rejected the allegations, stating that their supporters were targeted while traveling to purchase idols from local potters for upcoming religious observances:
- Denial of Intentional Attack: BJP members stated they were passing through Kalighat to procure Kali idols when local arguments escalated into physical altercations.
- Political Reaction: Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh dismissed allegations of a targeted attempt on Banerjee’s life, suggesting that public thoroughfares and pavements should not be blocked for private birthday celebrations.
Kolkata Police confirmed that the situation was brought under control by morning, with several individuals detained for questioning and additional security forces deployed around the area.
