Aravinda Stadium Turns Battleground as Rival Trinamool Supporters Clash; Tension Grips Area
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 24, 2024, Ghatal:: Trinamool Congress factional clashes have become a regular spectacle in West Bengal, but Sunday’s incident in Ghatal has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. A violent clash between supporters of Trinamool MP Deepak Adhikari (Dev) and former MLA Shankar Dalui erupted in the Aravinda Stadium during the Shishu Mela, an event that has been celebrated for decades.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as members of the two factions armed with sticks charged at each other, turning the stadium field and gallery into a battleground. The bloody confrontation left several injured, with many rushed to nearby hospitals. Videos and images of the violence, marked by shouting and frenzied fighting, have gone viral, deepening the tensions in the area.
The Shishu Mela, inaugurated during the Left regime nearly 30 years ago, was being attended by MP Dev, who has a significant following in the region. However, the simmering rivalry between his supporters and those of Shankar Dalui boiled over into public violence, overshadowing the cultural celebration.
This feud is not new. An audio clip circulated earlier had hinted at underlying tensions between Dev and Dalui’s camps, though Dev publicly referred to Dalui as his “political guru” to quell the controversy. Sunday’s incident, however, has laid bare the persistent rift within the ruling party’s ranks.
The BJP seized the moment to criticize the Trinamool Congress, describing the incident as symptomatic of a party in disarray. Meanwhile, Trinamool leader Ajit Maiti downplayed the event, stating, “I don’t think it’s a big deal.” However, political analysts warn that the fallout from this clash could escalate further, given the volatile dynamics between the factions.
Local police have since stepped up efforts to restore order, but the incident has left a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the region. With tensions still high, residents and political observers alike fear that another confrontation may be imminent.