A viral video from a Trinamool Congress (TMC) rally in Kolkata on Wednesday has triggered a political controversy after it appeared to show former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slapping one of her party workers while trying to control a chaotic situation during the procession.
Several other videos circulating on social media also appear to show the TMC supremo patting or striking party workers on the back as she attempted to move people away from the area. The videos have not been independently verified by this publication.
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The incident took place during a protest march organised by the TMC’s student and youth wings over the alleged rape and murder of a minor in Baruipur.
TMC says CM was clearing the crowd amid chaos
According to some people present at the rally, the situation turned chaotic after several participants reportedly fell ill during the procession. They claimed Mamata Banerjee was helping move injured and unwell workers into vehicles for medical assistance while urging the crowd to make way.
Those present alleged that while signalling people to move aside, the Chief Minister inadvertently slapped a party worker.
Mamata Banerjee loses it! Slaps her own TMC worker in public during Kalighat chaos.
— Raghu (@IndiaTales7) July 8, 2026
Frustrated Didi couldn’t control the crowd 😂 pic.twitter.com/5N2YiamauG
TMC also alleged that the rally, despite being held with permission from the Calcutta High Court, was disrupted by BJP supporters who entered the procession, leading to sloganeering and clashes.
The party further claimed that police and central forces failed to control the situation.
Addressing reporters, Mamata Banerjee alleged that the High Court’s directions had been violated.
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“I came out after hearing about the violence and found my workers bleeding. Women had injuries on their heads and faces. I came out to rescue them,” Banerjee alleged.
The Chief Minister also questioned the role of the police, asking how another procession had been allowed on the same route despite court permission for the TMC rally. She said the party would again move the Calcutta High Court alleging contempt of court.
BJP rejects allegations, attacks Mamata Banerjee
Responding to the controversy, BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh criticised the Chief Minister over the viral video.
Rejecting TMC’s allegation that BJP workers disrupted the rally, Ghosh said he had no knowledge of who was responsible for the disturbance. He added that if people raised “go back” slogans against Mamata Banerjee, it reflected public anger, though he said such actions were not appropriate in a democracy.
The incident has since sparked a political slugfest, with TMC blaming the BJP and police for the unrest, while the BJP rejected the allegations and questioned the Chief Minister’s conduct.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Mamata Banerjee’s rally video going viral?
A video from a TMC rally appears to show Mamata Banerjee slapping a party worker while trying to clear the crowd during a chaotic protest march. TMC says the incident occurred while she was helping injured workers and managing the situation.
Q2. What has TMC said about the viral video?
TMC leaders and people present at the rally claimed Mamata Banerjee was asking workers to move aside so that injured participants could be taken for treatment, and that the slap happened inadvertently during the commotion.
