Bhubaneswar: Political tensions in West Bengal intensified on January 10 after a clash broke out near Chandrakona Road in Paschim Medinipur involving the convoy of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, triggering a late-night standoff at a local police station and sharp exchanges between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The incident occurred around 8:20 pm as Adhikari was returning from Purulia. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes with crowds clashing near his vehicles, while police personnel were present at the spot. Adhikari alleged that TMC supporters attacked his convoy, accusing the ruling party of orchestrating the violence.
Following the clash, Adhikari proceeded to a police station and refused to leave without the registration of an FIR and immediate arrests. As the standoff continued late into the night, a large number of BJP supporters gathered outside the police station, raising slogans and demanding action against those responsible for the alleged attack.
The incident further escalated an already charged political atmosphere in the state. Earlier in the day, the TMC had released its defiant campaign song ‘Abar Jitbe Bangla’, signalling the formal sharpening of its poll narrative ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
The clash also came in the backdrop of recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on a consultancy firm allegedly linked to a coal scam, a development that has deepened hostilities between the BJP and the TMC. While the BJP has defended central agency actions as part of anti-corruption measures, the TMC has accused the Centre of misusing investigative agencies for political vendetta.
Additionally, disputes over voter roll revisions have added to the growing friction between the two parties, with both sides accusing each other of attempting to manipulate the electoral process.
With the 2026 elections still over a year away, the Paschim Medinipur clash underscores how early and intensely the political battle lines are being drawn in West Bengal, raising concerns over law and order and the tone of political campaigning in the months ahead.
-OdishaAge
