Ahmedabad Times

NEW DELHI: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday thanked chief of opposition within the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for extending help after he was attacked by a mob in West Bengal’s Sonarpur.Responding to Rahul’s submit on X, Abhishek termed himself a “sufferer of state-sponsored terrorism” and accused the BJP of utilizing political violence and intimidation towards its opponents.“Thanks, Rahul ji, to your concern and fixed help. We stand united and resolute in our struggle to guard the soul of India, defend its democratic establishments and uphold the values enshrined in our Structure. Final yr, I travelled throughout 5 nations representing India as a part of the all-party delegation for Operation Sindoor. I defended my nation and stood united towards terrorism,” the TMC MP stated.“Right this moment, I stand as a sufferer of political violence and state-sponsored terrorism unleashed by those that declare to be the guardians of nationalism. That is the fact of as we speak’s BJP. For those who help them, you’re a patriot. For those who query them, you develop into a goal. For those who stand with them, you’re celebrated. For those who stand towards them, they attempt to silence you,” he added.Additional, the Diamond Harbour MP stated that he would “reasonably face intimidation whereas defending democracy than take pleasure in consolation by surrendering my rules”.“Energy is short-term. The need of the individuals is everlasting. I’ll bow solely earlier than the individuals, by no means earlier than the individuals in energy,” he stated.“We’ll proceed our struggle towards those that search to weaken democracy and divide our nation. INDIA STANDS UNITED and collectively, we are going to be certain that the politics of concern, hatred, violence and intimidation is defeated, and that the voice of the individuals prevails,” the TMC chief added.Earlier on Saturday, Rahul Gandhi condemned the assault on the TMC chief and stated it was a “disgusting manifestation” of the BJP’s “politics of vendetta”.“The assault on MP Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur is completely reprehensible. An assault on a Member of Parliament just isn’t merely an assault on one particular person—it’s an assault on the very individuals who elected him, and on the democracy that’s our shared legacy,” Rahul stated.“That is the ugly face of the BJP’s politics of revenge. Political variations can by no means justify violence. The central authorities and the West Bengal authorities should take fast motion towards the perpetrators and be certain that no public consultant, no matter occasion affiliation, ever has to fret about their security. Abhishek ji, my ideas are with you and your loved ones. Wishing you a speedy restoration,” he added.In the meantime, former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee stated that a number of opposition leaders, together with Rahul Gandhi, reached out to her after the assault.“Rahul Gandhi referred to as me and informed me that if something is required, I can inform him, and he can take Abhishek Banerjee to Hyderabad or wherever else for therapy,” she stated.Abhishek Banerjee, TMC nationwide normal secretary and MP, was roughed up on Saturday in South 24 Parganas district as he had gone to satisfy the household of Sanju Karmakar, whom the occasion alleged was killed by “BJP-backed miscreants” in post-poll violence.Stones, footwear and eggs have been hurled at him by unidentified individuals who allegedly tried to assault him whereas shouting slogans, in response to police.The Diamond Harbour MP was later seen being escorted from the realm sporting a police helmet and along with his shirt torn.The incident triggered sharp political reactions, with opposition events elevating issues over the law-and-order scenario within the state and the persevering with cycle of post-election violence.In the meantime, the BJP stated the general public reception of the TMC MP mirrored deep-seated resentment amongst native residents towards the ruling dispensation’s governance insurance policies, which it alleged have induced widespread displacement and misery throughout the state.