Clashes broke out between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) outside the Kalighat residence of TMC national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on the night of his birthday.

The tension began around 2am on Saturday and continued until the morning. Several people from both sides were reportedly injured.

Abhishek accused BJP supporters of launching a planned attack on his residence and the party office, alleging that the incident was part of a conspiracy to assassinate him. Expressing anger over the incident, the TMC leader remained outside his residence throughout the night.

TMC supporters had gathered outside Abhishek’s Kalighat home from Friday evening to celebrate his birthday. According to allegations, BJP supporters arrived at around 2am and began chanting “thief, thief”. They were also accused of vandalising Abhishek’s photographs, cutouts and banners.

When TMC supporters tried to stop them, arguments and scuffles broke out between the two groups before escalating into a clash.

The situation became tense again when Abhishek came outside his residence. Supporters of both parties exchanged slogans. BJP workers reportedly chanted “cow thief” and “fish thief”, prompting TMC supporters to respond with slogans backing their leader.

Police deployment was increased to control the situation, and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was later brought in.

Abhishek also had a heated exchange with police officers after they asked him to return inside his house. According to media reports, he argued with the officer-in-charge of Kalighat Police Station as well. He eventually entered his residence around 6:30am on Saturday following police intervention.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Abhishek alleged that the attack on his residence and party office was an assassination attempt. He claimed that some of his party colleagues intervened and helped protect him.

He said several party workers had sustained serious injuries. According to him, part of one worker’s finger had been crushed, while another had suffered a fracture to the bone below the eye. Both were taken to hospital.

Abhishek further alleged that the attackers carried firearms and threw large pieces of bricks. He claimed the incident took place in the presence of police officers.

Questioning the police response, he asked how ordinary citizens could expect security if a Member of Parliament could be attacked in such a manner.

Abhishek also posted a video on his verified X account, formerly Twitter, alleging that his residence and party office had been under surveillance for two days before the incident.

The BJP rejected the allegations. West Bengal Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh described Abhishek’s claims as baseless.

Kolkata Police said officers had reached the scene after receiving reports of tension between the two groups. The police said an investigation into the incident was underway.