BJP MP Khagen Murmu Attacked: In a shocking incident that highlights the fragile political and humanitarian climate in flood-ravaged North Bengal, BJP Member of Parliament Khagen Murmu was attacked by a mob during his relief visit to Jalpaiguri district, one of the areas worst affected by the incessant downpour and overflowing rivers.
The attack, which took place near Nagrakata, left the MP and several party workers injured, prompting outrage from the opposition and sparking a political blame game between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Murmu, who represents the Maldaha Uttar constituency, had arrived in Jalpaiguri to supervise flood relief and distribute emergency supplies. His convoy was reportedly ambushed by miscreants who pelted stones and vandalized vehicles, forcing police to intervene and disperse the mob.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from BJP leadership, who claim it reflects a pattern of law-and-order failure and political intolerance in the state.
Background: North Bengal Reels Under Relentless Floods
Incessant Rains Leave a Trail of Destruction
Over the past several days, North Bengal has faced one of its most severe monsoon crises in recent memory. The Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka, and Kaljani rivers have overflowed, flooding low-lying areas across Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and parts of Darjeeling.
Bridges have collapsed, roads have been washed away, and thousands have been displaced from their homes.
According to the West Bengal Disaster Management and Civil Defence Department, rescue and rehabilitation work continues in full swing. Over 2 lakh people have been affected by the floods, and multiple relief camps have been set up in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
👉 Disaster Management Department, Government of West Bengal
👉 National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India
The Attack: A Timeline of Events
According to eyewitness reports and official sources:
- The incident occurred when Khagen Murmu, accompanied by BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh, reached a relief site in Nagrakata block on Monday afternoon.
- A group of around 50–60 individuals allegedly surrounded the convoy, shouting slogans and questioning the intent of the BJP team.
- Within minutes, the situation escalated as the mob hurled stones, damaging vehicles and injuring the MP and his associates.
- Murmu reportedly suffered a head injury and was taken to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
- Police arrived at the spot soon after and brought the situation under control.
District administration sources confirmed that a formal complaint has been filed, and a police investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
👉 West Bengal Police Official Portal
👉 Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
Political Fallout: BJP and TMC Trade Charges
BJP’s Reaction: “Attack on Democracy”
The BJP’s state unit reacted strongly to the incident, alleging that the attack was premeditated and carried out by TMC-backed goons. Senior leaders claimed that the ruling party has repeatedly tried to suppress opposition activities in rural Bengal.
BJP’s state president demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, arguing that such assaults on elected representatives expose the deteriorating law-and-order condition in Bengal. Party leaders also accused the state police of political bias in handling opposition-related incidents.
They further emphasized that Murmu’s visit was purely humanitarian, aimed at extending relief to flood victims — not a political show of strength.
TMC’s Stand: “Locals Reacted in Anger”
On the other hand, local TMC leaders have denied any involvement in the violence, claiming that the attack was a spontaneous outburst from residents dissatisfied with the BJP’s approach.
According to a TMC spokesperson, people in the flood-affected region were frustrated with delayed central aid and poor infrastructure maintenance, which they attribute to the central government’s neglect.
The spokesperson also stated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed district authorities to ensure law and order and to maintain neutrality during relief operations.
👉 Government of West Bengal – Home & Hill Affairs Department
Ground Reality: Flood Victims Caught Between Politics and Despair
While political parties spar over blame, the real victims remain the displaced families struggling to survive amid rising waters and shrinking relief supplies.
Several areas in Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar are still cut off from main roads, and food packets are being air-dropped in some localities.
Flood victims, meanwhile, express frustration over the lack of coordination between state and central relief agencies. Many villagers allege they have received little or no help, despite repeated promises from both political fronts.
Officials of the Irrigation and Waterways Department confirmed that water levels in the Teesta and Jaldhaka rivers remain dangerously high and continuous monitoring is being done.
👉 Irrigation & Waterways Department, Government of West Bengal
Security Concerns: When Disaster Zones Turn Political
This incident underscores the growing security risk for public officials and volunteers engaged in disaster relief.
Law enforcement agencies have been urged to establish stricter coordination between police and civil administration to prevent such occurrences.
Experts have called for standard operating protocols that ensure elected representatives, irrespective of party, can visit affected zones safely and focus on relief work.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also emphasized the importance of joint monitoring between state and central forces during emergencies, to prevent political interference or violence.
BJP MP Khagen Murmu Attacked: Administrative Response and Relief Operations
Following the attack, Jalpaiguri district officials have stepped up security in relief camps and flood-affected zones. Police patrols have been intensified in vulnerable areas, and community leaders are being engaged to promote calm.
The State Disaster Management Department continues to operate over 200 shelters, offering food, medicine, and temporary housing to displaced families. The central government, meanwhile, has dispatched additional NDRF teams to North Bengal to expedite rescue and rehabilitation.
👉 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
Officials from both state and central agencies have reiterated that rescue and rehabilitation efforts will not be politicized and that immediate aid remains the priority.
Wider Political Context: Violence and Governance Challenges
West Bengal has witnessed several incidents of political confrontation in recent years, particularly between the TMC and BJP, as both vie for influence across the state.
From panchayat elections to civic polls, violence has periodically marred the state’s political landscape.
Analysts note that Bengal’s combination of strong local party control, deep-rooted rural loyalties, and highly charged political rhetoric often leads to flashpoints in times of crisis.
With the floods now becoming a humanitarian and political issue, parties are using the tragedy to shape public narratives ahead of the next election cycle.
Appeals for Calm and Cooperation
Amid the escalating rhetoric, civil society groups, NGOs, and local community leaders have appealed for restraint and cooperation across political lines.
Humanitarian organizations have urged both the state and central governments to focus on relief delivery, infrastructure repair, and health safety, rather than trading political accusations.
The West Bengal State Emergency Relief Fund continues to accept donations and coordinate with national disaster relief mechanisms for long-term rehabilitation.
👉 West Bengal State Emergency Relief Fund – Official Portal
Conclusion: A Call for Humanity Over Politics
The attack on BJP MP Khagen Murmu during flood relief operations in Jalpaiguri is emblematic of a deeper crisis — one not just of governance or natural disaster, but of political ethics and accountability.
At a time when thousands remain displaced, homes lie submerged, and livelihoods are destroyed, political violence diverts attention from the urgent need for unity and coordinated action.
Bengal’s history of resilience and solidarity must rise above partisan rivalry. For now, the hope is that administrative machinery, regardless of political color, will prioritize the people of North Bengal — those whose lives, homes, and hopes have been swept away by both floodwaters and political turmoil.
✅ Official & Government External Links Included:
- Disaster Management Department, Government of West Bengal
- National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India
- West Bengal Police Official Portal
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
- Irrigation & Waterways Department, Government of West Bengal
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- West Bengal State Emergency Relief Fund
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
