BJP old timers & new entrants clash over Kolkata mutton feast, 4 injured

KOLKATA - A violent clash erupted in Anandapur on Saturday night after rival BJP factions engaged in a heated argument over a community feast, resulting in four individuals being injured. The incident commenced around 10:30 PM near the Anandapur grounds, where one faction hosted an elaborate banquet consisting of mutton, katla fish, and giant freshwater prawns for more than a thousand attendees. The BJP's Kasba Assembly unit was identified as the event organizer, according to coupons.

Long-standing members of the BJP expressed their discontent with the feast, alleging it was unauthorized and financed through coercion from local businessmen and jewelry shops. Arun Bishoyi, also known as Arun Biswal, and a senior BJP mandal president, claimed, "We have worked tirelessly and faced attacks from the Trinamool Congress, yet we couldn't even manage a simple fish-and-rice meal. Where is the money for mutton coming from? They extorted funds from jewelry shops."

In contrast, the opposing faction, associated with South Kolkata district committee member Saraswati Sarkar, vehemently denied these accusations. The confrontation escalated outside the Anandapur Police Station, with Minister Dilip Ghosh remarking, "I am unsure whose feast this was." The police have commenced an investigation into the matter.