Mamata Banerjee storms off stage, blames BJP rally noise just 100 metres away

A tense face-off unfolded in Bhabanipur on Saturday as Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari held rallies barely 100 metres apart, triggering clashes between supporters of the two parties.

The flashpoint came when Banerjee accused the BJP of disrupting her public meeting by blaring loudspeakers from a nearby venue where Adhikari was scheduled to address supporters. Unable to continue, she cut short her speech, apologised to the crowd and left the stage.

Soon after, TMC workers marched toward the BJP rally site in protest, leading to slogan-shouting and a heated standoff between rival supporters. Security personnel stepped in to bring the situation under control.

Adhikari, who had not yet reached the venue at the time of the clash, blamed Banerjee for the unrest and said the BJP would respond to what he termed “goonda raj” with a “befitting reply.”

BJP leader Amit Malviya also reacted, sharing a video of the incident and alleging that Banerjee lost her composure amid fears of electoral defeat.

Bhabanipur remains a stronghold of Banerjee, who has represented the seat three times since 2011. The constituency is among 142 going to polls on April 29, following the first phase of voting across 152 seats on April 23. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.