Kolkata, West Bengal: West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Monday alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee orchestrated attacks on BJP leaders and workers in North Bengal, obstructing relief efforts in flood-affected areas. Adhikari claimed that BJP MPs and MLAs were specifically targeted while distributing aid and visiting affected areas, highlighting a politically charged response to the ongoing disaster relief.

Alleged attacks on BJP leaders

According to Adhikari, MP Khagen Murmu sustained injuries while accompanying BJP Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya to flood-affected regions in Nagrakata, Darjeeling district. In addition, MLA Shankar Ghosh’s vehicle reportedly came under attack in the presence of local police.

Adhikari criticised the Chief Minister for allegedly mobilising her supporters, whom he referred to as “goons belonging from the ‘Special Community’,” to prevent BJP leaders from conducting relief work. He accused Mamata Banerjee of attempting to intimidate the opposition while the state struggled with severe flood damage.

Criticism of CM’s public appearances

The BJP leader further condemned Mamata Banerjee for attending a carnival with celebrities while parts of North Bengal were reeling under floods and landslides. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Adhikari wrote, “Mamata Banerjee is on full Panic Mode. She has realized it (quite late) that the People of West Bengal have despised her inhuman act of ‘Dancing at Carnival with Celebrities’ when North Bengal was reeling under floods and landslides, with many People losing their lives and thousands left shelterless. In contrast, BJP Bengal MLAs & MPs were on ground doing their bit to provide relief to the affected People.”

He alleged that the CM’s actions demonstrated a disregard for the plight of flood victims while politically targeting opposition leaders trying to provide aid.

Flood impact in North Bengal

The floods and incessant rains over the weekend caused widespread devastation across Darjeeling and surrounding districts. Authorities confirmed that 18 people died as a result of heavy rainfall, landslides, and associated incidents.

  • In Mirik, 11 people lost their lives due to heavy rains until October 5.

  • Jorebunglow recorded four fatalities, while Sukhia Pokhari saw two deaths.

  • In Darjeeling Sadar, one person died during the rainfall.

    • Local authorities are engaged in rescue and relief operations, with a focus on reaching remote villages cut off by floods and landslides. The damages have disrupted transportation, communication, and essential services across the region.

    Political tension amid disaster relief

    The incidents reported by Adhikari have heightened tensions between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal. While relief work is ongoing, the opposition has accused the state government of deliberately obstructing their efforts.

    Suvendu Adhikari’s statement also drew attention to the challenges faced by leaders and volunteers in delivering aid in politically sensitive areas. The BJP has demanded an inquiry into the alleged attacks on their representatives and called for accountability for any failure in maintaining law and order during the relief operations.

    Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee and her office have not officially commented on the allegations. Observers note that political blame games often emerge during natural disasters, complicating coordination of relief measures on the ground.

    Conclusion

    The situation in North Bengal underscores both the severity of the flooding and the heightened political tensions in the state. With 18 lives lost and thousands displaced, authorities and political leaders are under pressure to ensure timely relief and maintain law and order. As the state government and opposition trade accusations, the primary concern remains supporting affected communities and restoring normalcy in flood-hit areas.