Mamata accuses BJP of disrupting TMC protest rally, says police acting as saffron party's 'arm'

Business To Business, Kolkata,  08^th July, 2026:   Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of disrupting her party's protest march over the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur, claiming that the police acted as an "arm" of the ruling party instead of enforcing the Calcutta High Court's order permitting the rally.
Addressing supporters at Hazra Crossing in south Kolkata after the conclusion of the march, Banerjee alleged that BJP supporters repeatedly obstructed the procession and assaulted several TMC workers, including women.
She further claimed that the police failed to ensure the peaceful conduct of the rally despite the High Court's directions granting permission for the event.
"The High Court allowed our rally, but BJP goons stopped it. How can the police undermine the court's order allowing the rally? BJP goons beat up our party workers. Is this democracy?" Banerjee said.
The protest march was organised by the TMC to demand justice in the Baruipur rape and murder case. Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had permitted the rally while imposing conditions relating to its route, timing, crowd size and traffic management.
The BJP has not immediately responded to Banerjee's allegations. Authorities have also not issued an official statement regarding the claims of disruption or the alleged assault on TMC workers.
The incident has added to the ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and the TMC over law and order, policing and the handling of crimes against women in West Bengal.