A video that allegedly shows West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confronting hospital officials at Belle Vue Hospital in Kolkata has garnered significant attention on social media. This incident is reported to have taken place while her nephew, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, was receiving treatment following a mob attack.
In the viral footage, Banerjee can be seen addressing hospital officials sternly, particularly targeting CEO Pradip Tandon. She reportedly states, “You’re running the hospital, you are arrogant.” The video also displays Abhishek Banerjee on a stretcher as medical personnel tend to him.
BJP commentator Sudhanidhi Bandyopadhyay shared the video on social media platform X, suggesting that Banerjee’s behavior is emblematic of her alleged arrogance. BJP’s West Bengal chief spokesperson echoed this sentiment, accusing Mamata Banerjee of exerting pressure on hospital authorities despite medical assessments indicating that Abhishek had not sustained any serious injuries. He stated, “Shame on Mamata Banerjee for allegedly threatening Belle Vue Hospital CEO Pradip Tandon and pressuring hospital authorities to admit Abhishek Banerjee despite medical reports indicating no significant injuries.” He characterized this as a troubling attempt to misuse medical institutions for political agendas.
The incident has surfaced amid rising political tensions over the alleged attack on Abhishek Banerjee during his visit to Sonarpur in the South 24 Parganas district on Saturday. According to reports from the West Bengal police, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Belle Vue Hospital released a statement asserting that Abhishek Banerjee showed no serious physical injuries other than some bruises and was fully conscious and oriented, thus not requiring admission. The hospital refrained from providing a full admission.
Abhishek Banerjee had reportedly been visiting families affected by post-poll violence when he was confronted by protesters, who allegedly hurled stones, eggs, and shoes at him. Visuals from the scene indicated that his shirt had been torn during the altercation, while security personnel escorted him away.
Following the incident, Mamata Banerjee claimed hospitals and doctors were being pressured regarding her nephew’s treatment. She alleged that hospital authorities had received threatening phone calls discouraging them from admitting Abhishek despite medical advice. “Those who are in power are threatening all the hospitals and the maximum authorities not to admit Abhishek Banerjee because they don’t want him to be treated,” Banerjee stated, emphasizing that hospital administrators had expressed fear of repercussions.
This incident sparked renewed political controversy, with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressing support for Abhishek Banerjee and condemning the attack. According to Mamata Banerjee, Rahul reached out to her personally, offering assistance, including arranging for treatment outside West Bengal if necessary.
The BJP has denied any involvement in the attack, while various opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, have condemned the incident and called for accountability for those responsible.
