'He could have died': Mamata Banerjee claims Abhishek suffered chest blood clots after Sonarpur attack

Abhishek was confronted and assaulted by a crowd while meeting party workers affected by post-election violence following the Trinamool Congress's defeat in the state assembly elections.

Videos from the scene showed protesters shouting slogans and throwing eggs as the TMC leader moved through the crowd wearing a cricket helmet.

According to Mamata Banerjee, the helmet may have prevented a far more serious outcome.

"I have been informed that had a helmet not been placed on his head at the crucial moment, the consequences could have been fatal," she said.

Allegations of injuries and hospital pressure

Mamata Banerjee said Abhishek sustained injuries to his chest, ribs, neck, back and waist after being physically assaulted and struck by projectiles during the incident.

Following the attack, Abhishek was taken to a private hospital along Kolkata's EM Bypass and admitted to the emergency department.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee faced massive public protests in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas, on May 30. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

He was later shifted to another private hospital after Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment being provided.

Questioning claims that hospitalisation was unnecessary, she said doctors had initially advised several medical tests and scans after observing multiple injuries.

"The doctors who examined him observed multiple injuries and advised urgent medical investigations," she said.

The Trinamool Congress chief also alleged that pressure had been exerted on medical professionals and hospital authorities regarding the treatment of her nephew.

She argued that decisions related to admission, discharge and treatment should remain solely in the hands of doctors and not be influenced by political considerations.

Questions raised over security arrangements

Mamata Banerjee also questioned the role of the administration, saying police had prior knowledge of Abhishek's visit but failed to ensure adequate security.

She alleged that outsiders had been brought in to create unrest and violence during the event.

"Politics should be fought politically. The answer to political differences cannot be violence, intimidation, weapons, or fear," she said.

According to her, the party has decided to continue Abhishek's treatment under the supervision of trusted doctors and family physicians.

Abhishek blames BJP for attack

Speaking after the incident, Abhishek Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the attack.

"It's all BJP-sponsored. Look what they have done. This is their example of democracy," he said.

He further alleged that his political opponents wanted to kill him.

Several Trinamool Congress leaders also claimed they had been targeted by political rivals following the party's election defeat.

Police have arrested five people in connection with the incident so far.

BJP hits back, calls incident 'karma'

Responding to the allegations, BJP leader Keya Ghosh dismissed the accusations and described the incident as a consequence of the Trinamool Congress's own record in power.

"For the past 15 years, people in West Bengal have witnessed various atrocities in the era of the Trinamool government. Today, they are getting the return gift. Do you know what karma is? You will get what you have done," she said.

The exchange has further intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress in the aftermath of the assembly election results.