'Massive conspiracy': Akhilesh Yadav slams BJP for 'attack' on Abhishek Banerjee in West Bengal

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday held the BJP responsible for the attack on Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee in West Bengal, stating that the party is only capable of engaging in hate-filled, negative, and violent politics.

In a post on X in Hindi, Yadav said, "By orchestrating a life-threatening attack on Abhishek Banerjee, the anarchic BJP government of the state has proven that it is incapable of anything other than hate-filled, negative and violent politics." Noting that the entire incident was "extremely condemnable", Yadav alleged that the complete absence of police security, even amidst such a sensitive atmosphere, points towards a massive conspiracy.

Banerjee was roughed up allegedly by locals when he visited Sonarpur town of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal on Saturday to meet families of post-poll violence victims, police said.

Stones, shoes and eggs were hurled at the MP by unidentified people, who even attempted to rain blows and kicks on him while chanting "thief, thief".

He managed to escape the mob wearing a cricket helmet and was helped by aides.

Banerjee was taken to a private hospital after complaining of pain in his neck, back and waist following the incident. Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee was present at the ward alongside Abhishek.