Bengal BJP cracks down on internal indiscipline; suspends two leaders after police clash, dissolves unit

Kolkata, Aug 19 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended its two leaders in West Bengal’s Asansol for allegedly misbehaving with policemen at a police station and obstructing them in discharging their duties following a clash with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) men over some issues last week.

The party has also dissolved the Raniganj Mandal (One) committee following the incident.

A senior BJP leader said on Wednesday that Raniganj Mandal leader Anand Shaw and Asansol organisational district secretary Badsha Chatterjee have been relieved of all organisational responsibilities.

Asansol district president Debtanu Bhattacharya issued notices to the two leaders in connection with the developments.

The incident dates back to August 14, when a clash reportedly broke out between workers of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the BJP in Asansol in West Burdwan district, on the eve of Independence Day.

The police subsequently arrested several local BJP leaders and workers in connection with the incident.

According to the BJP, Chatterjee was among those arrested. Following the arrests, Shaw and other party workers went to the police station to protest against the police action and seek the release of their colleagues.

A heated argument allegedly broke out between the BJP workers and policemen inside the station premises over the arrests.

The police subsequently arrested several people, including Shaw. A video purportedly showing the confrontation between the BJP leader and cops later circulated widely on social media as well.

Neither senior BJP leaders nor the police have publicly commented in detail on the incident so far.

However, the BJP initiated disciplinary action against the two leaders on Tuesday night. Notices were issued to Shaw and Chatterjee, while the Raniganj Mandal (One) committee was dissolved.

The notices did not specify the alleged misconduct. Bhattacharya said the two leaders had been relieved of all organisational responsibilities with immediate effect, citing the prevailing situation and other relevant issues, with the approval of the concerned authorities.

The action has triggered political discussion in Raniganj. Party insiders believe the BJP leadership was concerned by the confrontation involving its workers, particularly amid tensions with the VHP, followed by an altercation with the police at the station.

The disciplinary action is being seen as an attempt by the BJP leadership to contain the fallout from the incidents and send a message against indiscipline and confrontation with law enforcement agencies.

— IANS

sch/snj/mr