TMC vs BJP Clashes Ahead of PM Modi’s Rally: 9 Held for Pelting Stones at Minister’s House

Kolkata, March 15, 2026 — Kolkata Police have arrested nine individuals by Sunday afternoon following severe clashes between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters, which culminated in an alleged attack on the residence of State Commerce and Industry Minister Shashi Panja.

A city court has remanded all nine suspects to four days in police custody as investigations continue.

Violence Ahead of the Prime Minister’s Rally

The violent confrontation erupted on Saturday near Girish Park in north Kolkata. The incident occurred just as BJP supporters were marching toward the Brigade Parade Ground—located roughly 5 kilometers away—to attend a massive election rally addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Minister Shashi Panja alleged that a mob of BJP workers launched an unprovoked attack, pelting stones at her Central Avenue residence. She claimed that the sudden barrage of stones resulted in injuries to herself and several TMC workers present at the location.

A Bitter Political Blame Game

The incident has sparked intense political trading of barbs between the state’s ruling party and the principal opposition. Both the TMC and the BJP have lodged official police complaints, with each camp vehemently accusing the other of inciting the violence and claiming that multiple workers from their respective sides were injured in the melee.

The political significance of the clashes was amplified when Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly addressed the incident during his mega rally. In his speech, the Prime Minister heavily criticized the TMC, charging the state government with actively terrorizing people and political opponents in the run-up to the crucial assembly polls.

With the official election schedule for West Bengal just announced, security forces in Kolkata remain on high alert to prevent further flare-ups between rival political factions.