Kolkata
oi-Ashish Rana
The political fallout from the attack on Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee intensified on Saturday after TMC chief Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to interfere with his medical treatment. The West Bengal leader alleged that hospitals and doctors faced pressure while treating the injured MP, turning what began as an assault case into a broader controversy over access to healthcare and alleged political influence.
TMC chief Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of interfering with the medical treatment of MP Abhishek Banerjee following an attack in Sonarpur, alleging pressure on hospitals treating his multiple blunt injuries, a claim the BJP denied.
Mamata claimed that efforts were made to prevent Abhishek from receiving proper treatment after he was injured during a visit to South 24 Parganas. According to her, the issue extended beyond the physical attack and raised serious concerns about the functioning of medical institutions under political pressure.
‘They Don’t Want Him to Be Treated’: Mamata’s Allegations
Addressing the developments surrounding Abhishek Banerjee’s treatment, Mamata alleged that authorities were attempting to stop hospitals from admitting him.
“Those who are in power (BJP) are threatening all the hospitals and the maximum authorities not to admit Abhishek Banerjee because they don’t want him to be treated,” she said.
She further claimed that a hospital administrator informed her that he was receiving “threat calls from the police.”
Calling the matter deeply troubling, Mamata said, “The most disturbing aspect of today’s developments is the allegation that pressure was exerted on doctors and hospital authorities regarding the treatment of an injured patient.”
She argued that decisions related to admission, treatment and discharge should remain exclusively within the domain of medical professionals.
Questions Raised Over Hospitalisation and Medical Care
Mamata also questioned the explanation that Abhishek did not require hospitalisation. Referring to the treatment process, she pointed out that doctors initially considered his condition serious enough to warrant observation and medical investigations.
“If there was genuinely no need for hospitalisation, why was he first taken to the ITU, kept under observation for nearly two hours, and advised to undergo multiple medical tests and scans?” she asked.
According to Mamata, Abhishek remained under medical supervision from approximately 8.15 pm until close to 11 pm before being discharged.
The TMC chief suggested that the sequence of events raised legitimate questions about the handling of his treatment following the attack.
Doctors Found Multiple Injuries, Says Mamata
Sharing details of the medical assessment, Mamata said doctors documented injuries across several parts of Abhishek Banerjee’s body and recommended further examination.
“The doctors who examined him observed multiple injuries and advised urgent medical investigations. According to the medical assessment, he sustained multiple blunt injuries to the face, back, chest, and neck,” she said.
Doctors reportedly advised X-rays and scans to rule out fractures, internal bleeding and possible damage to internal organs. Mamata said Abhishek sustained injuries to his chest and rib area during the assault and stone-pelting.
She added that a thorough medical evaluation was especially important because the MP has a pre-existing eye-related medical condition. The TMC leadership has now decided that his treatment will continue under the supervision of trusted doctors and family physicians.
Mamata also claimed that the consequences of the attack could have been far more serious had a helmet not been placed on his head.
Sonarpur Visit Ends in Violence, BJP Rejects Charges
The incident occurred when Abhishek Banerjee visited the Sonarpur area to meet party workers and their families who had allegedly faced violence after the recent state elections.
As he moved through a crowd while wearing a cricket helmet, he was allegedly attacked by a mob that hurled stones and eggs. Videos shared on social media appeared to show the MP and his security personnel struggling amid pushing, punching and slapping by assailants.
Earlier in the day, Abhishek described the incident as an attempt on his life and accused BJP workers of attacking his convoy. He also announced that he would pursue legal action in the Supreme Court.
The BJP has denied any involvement in the attack and rejected the allegations made by the TMC.
Mamata said concern over the incident cut across political lines, revealing that several opposition leaders had reached out to her following the attack. Among them were Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, all of whom expressed concern over the developments.
