AHMEDABAD: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Sunday linked the attack on Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee to the ruling party’s governance in West Bengal, saying that people are the ultimate authority in a democracy.Rane said political leaders must act responsibly while in power and asserted that citizens have the right to express both support and dissatisfaction, according to news agency ANI. “Eventually, public is the lord… When you are in power, you should behave responsibly with them. In a democracy, the public gives love and also throws eggs… When TMC was in power, the Hindus did not get to perform Durga Puja and were killed immediately after they revealed their identity. In Sanatan Hindu Dharma, we return everything with interest, and now the people of the state have started doing this very thing...” said Rane. The remarks came a day after TMC MP and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked with bricks, stones and eggs during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district. Banerjee had gone to meet families affected by post-poll violence in the area. Following the incident, Banerjee alleged a deliberate lapse in security arrangements and said he would approach the Supreme Court over the matter. “If the two security officials posted with me are reporting the incident to their superiors, yet no force is arriving, then it’s clear that the higher authorities want this entire incident to continue, and there’s no effort from the state government to stop it. This clearly shows that the way one death happened here, similarly, more 2-4 deaths should happen; only then will they get some peace. Let them do whatever they want. We have everything recorded. We will go to court. I will go upto the Supreme Court to fight this case,” he said. Several TMC leaders condemned the attack, calling for accountability and action against those responsible. TMC Lok Sabha MP Saugata Roy alleged that “provocative statements” by BJP leaders had contributed to the tense political atmosphere in the state. Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also condemned the attack on Banerjee, describing the incident as “reprehensible”. However, she said the violence reflected public anger against the TMC government.“What happened in West Bengal is reprehensible; an investigation is underway, and action will be taken. However, it is important to understand that the people have been tormented for 15 years. This reaction has come directly from the public, not from any political party,” Shaina stated.
