Union Minister and West Bengal state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Thursday said that shoes, bricks and stones were hurled at his convoy by a group of people in Budge Budge area of South 24 Parganas district while he was on his way to meet party workers.

Accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee of “orchestrating” the attack, Majumdar said “an emergency-like situation is prevailing in the state”.

“Opposition leaders like me are being stopped from visiting areas rocked by group clashes. Hindus are being attacked by jihadi elements in places like Maheshtala and Murshidabad, and police remain mute spectators at the behest of the ruling party. When we visit the areas to express solidarity with Hindus, we are attacked by rowdies sheltered by the TMC. If this is not ’emergency-like situation’, in what way can it be described,” the Union minister posted on X.

Calling the West Bengal Police “spineless”, the BJP leader specifically pointed to an officer of Diamond Harbour, alleging that police were mere “puppets, deployed to shield the criminals” and mastered the “Bhaipo Model” — a veiled reference to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. Majumdar said he would be sending a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to reports, Majumdar’s received a hostile reception in Budge Budge as a group of people shouted slogans like “go back,” “dangabaz” (riot-monger), and “chorer party” (party of thieves).

Meanwhile, TMC spokesperson said the protest against the BJP leader was “justified” and “reflected public anger against BJP’s policies”.

People are incensed and infuriated as the BJP has blocked the release of funds for the rural job guarantee scheme (MGNREGS) in Bengal and have seen through the BJP’s gameplan to create communal rifts and polarise communities,” he said.

Minister Shashi Panja condemned Majumdar’s remarks, saying: “How dare Sukanta Majumdar call women jihadis just because they were demanding their rightful and pending MGNREGA dues? Modi’s leaders have repeatedly insulted women.”