Clashes erupt in Kolkata ahead of Modi rally as BJP, TMC supporters confront each other

Clashes broke out between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata on March 14, hours before a rally scheduled to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The confrontation took place near Girish Park in central Kolkata, around five kilometres from the Brigade Parade Ground where the rally was to be held.

According to reports, supporters from both parties were involved in stone-pelting and heated exchanges that escalated into violence. Several people were injured in the clashes, including a police officer and a BJP leader, officials said.

The incident occurred as large numbers of BJP supporters were arriving in the city to attend the rally, which marks the culmination of the party’s political outreach campaign ahead of the upcoming elections in the state.

Authorities had already deployed extensive security arrangements around the venue in anticipation of large crowds.

Police rushed to the area after tensions escalated and intervened to disperse the groups and restore order. The situation was later brought under control, though the incident highlighted the intense political rivalry between the two parties in the state.

Both parties traded accusations following the clashes. BJP leaders alleged that their workers were attacked while travelling to the rally, while TMC representatives claimed that BJP supporters had provoked the confrontation.

The rally at Brigade Parade Ground is seen as a significant political event for the BJP in the state, with party leaders expecting a large turnout of supporters from different districts. To manage the crowds and maintain security, thousands of police personnel were deployed across key areas of the city.

Political tensions in West Bengal have frequently escalated during major rallies and election campaigns, with clashes between rival party supporters reported in several instances in the past.