Violent clashes broke out at the West Bengal Congress headquarters, Bidhan Bhawan, as party workers clashed over the nomination of Rohan Mitra, son of former state Congress president Somen Mitra. The situation turned chaotic, leading to tension and one worker sustaining a head injury during the altercation. Allegations of molestation involving female workers also surfaced, prompting the deployment of central forces to restore order.
Protesting workers accused the state Congress leadership of “selling tickets” for the Assembly elections, with posters making such claims plastered on the walls of Vidhan Bhavan. Resentment had been brewing among party members who were denied tickets, with the nomination of Rohan Mitra from the Ballygunge constituency serving as the immediate trigger. They claimed that Zayed Hossain, the South Kolkata Congress leader, was initially expected to contest from the seat but was replaced.
Zayed Hossain arrived at Vidhan Bhavan demanding the immediate cancellation of Rohan Mitra’s candidature, asserting his own right to the Ballygunge seat. He expressed disappointment over the last-minute change, stating that he had been assured of the nomination earlier without any explanation for the switch. The unrest over candidate selection in various constituencies had been brewing, eventually culminating in open clashes at the party headquarters.
Furniture, including chairs and tables, was vandalized during the unrest, with several individuals sustaining injuries, including one with a head injury. Despite the presence of leaders on-site, the situation spiraled out of control, necessitating the intervention of central forces. Senior Congress leader Asit Mitra expressed astonishment at the unprecedented situation, highlighting the gravity of the turmoil.
As chaos unfolded at the party office, Rohan Mitra continued his campaign in Ballygunge. Responding to media inquiries, he acknowledged the uproar but remained uncertain about its cause, emphasizing his focus on campaigning as per the party’s nomination.
