Asansol (West Bengal): Political tensions flared in Asansol after the statues of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were allegedly vandalised near the local BJP office.
The incident prompted the Youth Congress to stage a protest, blocking the Asansol–Purulia State Highway between 11:30 pm and 2 am. Protesters accused workers from the BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) of being behind the act.
A formal complaint was lodged at the local police station. Police officials assured that the culprits would be arrested and the statues restored within 24 hours, after which the blockade was lifted.
Political Reactions
Congress district president Debesh Chakravarty strongly condemned the vandalism.
“A similar incident occurred last year. Though the police promised action within 24 hours, no arrests were made. If immediate action is not taken now, we will stage a sit-in outside the Kulti police station,” he said.
The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations. Local BJP leader Abhijit Acharya said, “We believe in building, not destroying. Both statues were installed due to our initiative. CCTV footage has already been given to police, but still no arrests have been made. Congress and TMC are trying to give this issue a political color.”
The police investigation is ongoing.
Statues Of Indira And Rajiv Gandhi Vandalised In Asansol, Sparks Political Tensions
