TMC MP Alleges Armed BJP Supporter at Kolkata Airport

TMC MP Derek O'Brien has accused a BJP supporter of being armed at Kolkata Airport, suggesting a potential assassination attempt on party secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The incident has sparked significant political controversy, with O'Brien questioning the police's response and labeling the event as a state-sponsored attack. The situation highlights growing dissent within TMC and the emergence of the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI) as a new player in the political landscape. Stay informed about the unfolding developments in national politics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 12:37 IST

Incident at Kolkata Airport Raises Concerns

Derek O'Brien, a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has raised serious allegations regarding an incident that occurred on Friday night at Kolkata Airport. According to O'Brien, as he and party secretary Abhishek Banerjee were exiting the airport, they encountered a BJP supporter armed with a weapon. He shared a video showing TMC supporters surrounding the individual and escorting him away, suggesting that this could be an attempt on Banerjee's life.

O'Brien Questions Police Response

In a post on X, O'Brien expressed his concerns, stating, "A BJP supporter with a gun. Disturbing video. Evidence from last night outside Kolkata Airport. Was this an assassination attempt?" He also criticized the Bengal police, noting that just minutes before their exit around 9:45 PM, an armed man was spotted at the exit, who was subsequently apprehended by TMC's female supporters. O'Brien emphasized that the video speaks volumes about the situation.

Political Implications and Reactions

The video shared by the All India Trinamool Congress shows the accused surrounded by women, with some physically restraining him. TMC has labeled this incident as a state-sponsored attempt to eliminate a political rival, criticizing the law and order situation under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. On the same day, Abhishek Banerjee traveled to Delhi to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and challenge the merger of rebel TMC MPs into the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI).

NCPI's Recent Developments

The NCPI, a relatively small party in Tripura, has gained attention recently due to the inclusion of prominent leaders. Shantanu Dey, the party's National Organizing Secretary, expressed a desire to expand the party and collaborate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. Within TMC, dissent is growing at both national and state levels, with two-thirds of the rebel MPs and 58 MLAs forming a separate faction in the West Bengal Assembly, where Speaker Rathindra Bose has recognized Ritabrata Banerjee as the leader of the opposition.

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