Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee was shifted from a private hospital along Kolkata's EM Bypass on Saturday evening after TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee alleged that proper treatment was not being provided to the injured MP.
Abhishek, who was taken to Apollo Hospital's emergency department following the alleged assault on him earlier in the day, was later moved to another medical facility, Belle Vue Nursing Home, amid dramatic scenes outside the hospital.
Before his transfer, several senior Trinamool Congress leaders arrived at the hospital to enquire about his condition. Among those who reached the facility were Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien and senior party leader Shovan Chatterjee.
Shortly afterwards, Mamata Banerjee arrived at the hospital accompanied by Abhishek's mother, Lata Banerjee. Bidhannagar Mayor Krishna Chakraborty was also present. The TMC chairperson went directly inside the hospital to meet the Diamond Harbour MP, who was undergoing treatment in the emergency ward.
However, after spending some time inside the hospital, Mamata emerged and made serious allegations regarding the treatment being provided to Abhishek.
"We are shifting him from here. Treatment is not being given here. Instructions have come from above not to provide treatment," Mamata told reporters outside the hospital.
The hospital authorities declined to comment on the allegations. Officials maintained that those making the accusations were best placed to explain the matter and did not issue any formal response to Mamata's claims.
Soon after, Abhishek Banerjee was brought out of the emergency department in a wheelchair. Dressed in hospital clothing, the TMC MP was escorted by Derek O'Brien, who was seen pushing the wheelchair out of the emergency ward.
A vehicle was waiting outside the emergency department, and Abhishek was carefully helped into the car before being taken to another location for further medical treatment.
The developments came hours after Abhishek alleged that he had been attacked during a visit to Sonarpur, claiming that there had been an attempt on his life. The incident has since triggered a major political controversy, with the Trinamool Congress accusing the BJP of orchestrating the assault, a charge denied by the saffron party.
The controversy deepened further with Mamata Banerjee's allegation that medical treatment was withheld from the injured MP, setting the stage for another political confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and its rivals.
