'The Tinpoint Dictator, is so Scared of...': BJP Slams Mamata Over Police Lathicharge on Protesters

Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following a major crackdown in Kolkata after police fired water cannons, a lathi-charge on protesters peacefully gathered at Howrah as part of 'Nabanna Abhijan' march.

In a tweet on X, BJP leader Amit Malviya called Mamata a 'tinpoint dictator' and said that she is scared of the students' movement.

"Mamata Banerjee, the tinpot dictator, is so scared of students’ movement, that she has ordered Kolkata Police to put large containers on the road, to stop protesting citizens from reaching Nabanno."

"Is she imagining students’ seeking justice for the RG Kar rape and murder victim marching ahead in tanks?" he added

In the post, Malviya further added that the Kolkata Police was a mute spectator when Lungi Vahini of the TMC attacked peacefully protesting doctors at the RG Kar Hospital on the intervening night of 14-15 August.

"The same Kolkata Police was a mute spectator when Lungi Vahini of the TMC attacked peacefully protesting doctors at the RG Kar Medical College & Hospital on the intervening night of 14-15th Aug."

Furthermore, BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia during a press brief also called Mamata, a 'dictator,' and further emphasised on seeking justice in the alleged Kolkata rape and murder case.

"If there is any dictator in the country, then that dictator is Mamata Banerjee... The truth should come out, the investigating agency CBI should do a polygraph test of Mamata Banerjee and the Police Commissioner. The truth cannot be suppressed and the biggest thing is that as long as these people are in their positions and are crushing the students, tearing the Constitution to pieces, this will not be tolerated, this issue will be raised strongly as it has been raised today..."

On Tuesday afternoon, the student-led peaceful protest after police lathi-charged and used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protestors gathered at Howrah Bridge's Kolkata and near Santragachhi Railway station on Kona Expressway as protestors attempted to break through police barricades to reach Nabanna.

"Why were we beaten by police? We did not break any laws. We are holding a peaceful rally to demand justice for the deceased doctor. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should take responsibility and resign," said a woman protester.