Mamata Banerjee visits hospitalised BJP MP Khagen Murmu who was attacked during visit to flood-hit areas of Bengal

Murmu, an MP from Malda Uttar, and BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh were attacked when they went to visit the flood-affected areas in North Bengal.

No arrest has been made yet.

While the BJP has alleged the local TMC members attacked the two, the ruling party denied its involvement in the incident saying the locals who are dissatisfied with the saffron camp orchestrated the attack.

However, Mamata didn't meet Ghosh, the BJP's chief whip in the legislative assembly, who was also admitted in the same hospital.

Speaking to the reporters after concluding her visit, the Chief Minister said Murmu was injured in the back of his ear.

"He is fine, nothing serious. He is under observation because he has high diabetes," said the CM and added, "He is injured at the back of his ear. I prayed for his speedy recovery."

Blood-smeared face of Khagen Murmu after the attack. Photo: Screen-grab

Mamata paid the visit after her arch-rival Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the supreme leader of BJP, lashed out at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the attack on Murmu and Ghosh and said there is an "absolutely pathetic law and order situation" in West Bengal.

Targeting the Mamata Banerjee government, the PM wrote on X, "The manner in which our Party colleagues, including a sitting MP and MLA, were attacked in West Bengal for serving the people affected by floods and landslides is outright appalling. It highlights the insensitivity of the TMC as well as the absolutely pathetic law and order situation in the state.

"I wish the West Bengal Government and TMC were more focussed on helping people rather than indulging in violence in such a challenging situation. I call upon BJP Karyakartas to continue working among the people and assist the ongoing rescue operations."

Hitting back at the PM, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused PM Modi of "politicising a natural disaster".

Mamata called the PM's remark "immature" and not fit for his highest office.

In a long X post, the CM wrote, "It is unfortunate and deeply concerning that the Prime Minister of India has chosen to politicise a natural disaster without waiting for a proper investigation, especially while people in North Bengal are grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides. When the entire local administration and police is engrossed in relief and rescue operations, the BJP leaders chose to go to the affected areas with a large convoy of cars and under security cover of the central forces and that too without any information to local police and administration. How can the state administration , local police or the TMC be blamed for the incident ?

"The PM has blamed the TMC and the West Bengal Government outright without a shred of verified evidence, legal inquiry, or administrative report. This is not just a political low, it is a breach of the constitutional ethos the Prime Minister has sworn to uphold. In any democracy, the law must take its own course, and only due process can determine culpability - not a tweet from a political pulpit. The incident occurred in a constituency where the people themselves have elected a BJP MLA. Yet the Prime Minister sees no contradiction in painting the incident as a reflection of TMC’s so-called “strongmanship.” Such sweeping, unsubstantiated generalisations are not only immature, but also, they are unbecoming of the highest office in the land."

"Coming from a Prime Minister who visited Manipur only 964 days after it was engulfed in ethnic violence, the sudden concern for Bengal appears less like empathy and more like opportunistic political theatre. Yes, we all condemn violence, unequivocally. But this is not the time for partisan chest-thumping. This is a time to help and heal."

She went on to write, "It’s also evident that BJP is resorting to the tired North Bengal vs South Bengal narrative, hoping to polarise people ahead of elections. Let us be clear: Bengal is one - emotionally, culturally, and politically. I urge the Prime Minister: Listen to the elected state government, not just your party colleagues.

"You are the Prime Minister of India, not just of BJP. Your responsibility lies in nation-building, not narrative-building. At this critical hour, let us not deepen divides. Let us stand united beyond party lines, to serve the people who need us the most. Let’s leave politics for another day."

What happened?

Murmu and Ghosh were on Monday attacked during their visit to flood-affected areas of Nagrakata in West Bengal.

Both the leaders were injured as they were chased, pushed and attacked by the locals.

Murmu's face was seen drenched in blood as the protesters broke the car windshield throwing stones.

Ghosh, the BJP chief whip in the state assembly, was pushed and as he got into the same car, locals hurled shoes at the windshield which was later shattered by the protesters.

Bengal flood

The death toll in the flood and landslide caused by heavy rains last weekend in Darjeeling hills and other areas of the northern part of West Bengal touched 36 on Tuesday, media reports said.

Five of the victims are from Nepal.

The rescue operation is still on. Several tourists are stuck in various parts of north Bengal which was flooded by the torrential rain.

Several bodies are still missing.

Thirteen bodies were recovered only from Mirik, which is known for its serene natural beauty, tea gardens, and peaceful lakeside setting — making it a popular getaway in the Darjeeling hills.