Kolkata Violence: Left takes out protest march over vandalism of Vidyasagar statue

Condemning the desecration of polymath Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue in a college in Kolkata, the Left on Wednesday took out a protest march against in the city and blamed both the TMC and the BJP for the violence. 

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who led the protest march, tweeted, "BJP-TMC created chaos is hitting at the heart of Bengal and its core. They cannot be allowed to get away with this. They will not."

"Not about just a statue, but a systematic attack on Bengal. One of the biggest symbols of the Bengal renaissance is what BJP-RSS have attacked. These obscurantists have always opposed Vidyasagar’s ideas. But Bengal will not succumb. At College Square now," he said. 

On Tuesday, Yechury alleged that "attacking knowledge" was central to the BJP's "poisonous project".

BJP-TMC created chaos is hitting at the heart of Bengal and its core. They cannot be allowed to get away with this. They will not. #Vidyasagar #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/cYfG4Ai6oR

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) May 15, 2019

"BJP-RSS think nothing of when they vandalise the historic Vidyasagar College, break Vidyasagar statue. This is their advocacy of India's civilisational heritage? Attacking knowledge is central to getting their poisonous project going.

"Bengal will reject the destruction they offer," tweeted Yechury. 

BJP and TMC supporters Tuesday fought pitched battles on the streets of Kolkata during a massive road show by BJP chief Amit Shah, who escaped unhurt but was forced to cut short the jamboree and had to be escorted to safety by the police.

Parts of the city plunged into a welter of violence as his convoy was attacked with stones by alleged TMC supporters from inside the hostel of Vidyasagar College, triggering a clash between supporters of the two parties, officials said.

Furious BJP supporters retaliated and were seen exchanging blows with their TMC rivals outside the college entrance.

Several motorcycles parked outside were vandalised and set ablaze. Shards of broken glass littered the lobby of the college where a bust of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a noted philosopher and a key figure of Bengal Renaissance, was smashed to pieces.

(With PTI inputs)