A tense showdown unfolded in Bhabanipur on Saturday as Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari held rallies barely 100 metres apart, triggering clashes between supporters of both parties.

The trouble began when the West Bengal CM accused the BJP of disrupting her public meeting by using loudspeakers at a nearby rally where Adhikari was scheduled to speak. Frustrated by the disturbance, Banerjee abruptly ended her speech, apologising to the crowd before leaving the venue.

Following her departure, angry TMC workers marched toward Adhikari's rally to protest, leading to a heated exchange of slogans between supporters of both sides. The situation quickly escalated, prompting security forces to intervene and restore order.

Adhikari, who had not yet arrived when the confrontation took place, blamed Banerjee for the chaos, asserting that the BJP would respond to what he called "goonda raj" with a "befitting reply."

BJP leader Amit Malviya also weighed in, sharing a video of the incident and accusing Banerjee of losing her composure due to fears of her party's impending defeat.

Bhabanipur is considered a stronghold of the Trinamool supremo, who has won the seat thrice since 2011. The seat, along with 141 others, goes to polls on April 29. Polling in the first phase was held across 152 seats on April 23. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Source: India Today