Mamata visits injured BJP MP amid political tensions

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited BJP MP Khagen Murmu at a Siliguri hospital on Tuesday, following his injuries from an attack in Nagarkata. Murmu was assaulted while assessing the impact of floods and landslides in the region. During her visit, Banerjee spoke with Murmu and his family in the ICU, stating, "It’s courtesy. I heard he got injured and I came to see him. He is stable now. He is diabetic and that is why doctors are keeping him under observation. He has a small injury under the ear."

The attack occurred on Monday when Murmu and BJP MLA Sankar Ghosh were confronted by a mob of around 500 people. Eyewitnesses reported that the mob pelted stones and attacked the leaders with sticks, resulting in severe injuries to Murmu, who was seen bleeding profusely.

Banerjee assured Murmu of full support from the state government, mentioning that his blood sugar levels were high and needed monitoring. She expressed her wishes for his speedy recovery. However, the incident has ignited a political dispute, with the BJP accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the attack. Ghosh claimed, "When we visited the area, suddenly some people came up to us and said they were Didi’s sainik and why are you here, we said we are Modi ji’s sainik."

In response, the TMC has alleged that BJP leaders are exploiting the natural disaster for publicity. The TMC stated on social media, "When adversity strikes, humanity must rise above politics. Smt. (Banerjee) embodies this very ethos. Today, she visited BJP MP Khagen Murmu in the hospital, personally inquiring about his health and well-being."

The BJP has raised concerns over the lack of arrests following the attack, with state president Samik Bhattacharya questioning the inaction. He stated, "Mamata Banerjee went to see the condition of Khagen Murmu, that is fine, but what action was taken after this attack on our adivasi MP? No one has arrested those who attacked Shankar Ghosh and Khagen Murmu till date."

As the political turmoil unfolds, relief efforts continue in the flood-affected areas, with both parties exchanging accusations amidst the ongoing crisis.