Kolkata: A political dispute has emerged in West Bengal following the spread of an audio recording said to feature Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee addressing the chief executive of a major Kolkata hospital. The clip appeared online soon after a group reportedly attacked party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee during a visit to South 24 Parganas on May 30.
The recording is said to show Banerjee in an angry exchange with Belle Vue Hospital CEO Pradip Tandon. She reportedly accuses the facility of unfair conduct and issues warnings about future repercussions.
In the clip, she is heard stating, “Sorry, Mr Tandon, you have done a wrong thing.” The exchange reportedly grows sharper as she adds that the party had provided assistance and that divine judgment would follow, while accusing the hospital of misleading actions and arrogance. She also notes the current central government and suggests future consequences if it changes.
The recording’s accuracy remains unconfirmed. Its circulation has prompted strong reactions from opposition groups, which claim the leadership sought to influence a private medical facility.
The incident follows an assault on Abhishek Banerjee during his outreach tour in Sonarpur South. He had been meeting families the party says faced post-poll violence. Reports indicate he visited one household then planned another stop. Locals allegedly surrounded him, shouted slogans and threw eggs and stones. Security and party workers intervened to protect him. Footage showed him wearing a police helmet while departing, with his shirt reportedly torn.
Afterward, he blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party for the violence and questioned police presence. He was first taken to Apollo Hospital then moved to Belle Vue for further care.
Mamata Banerjee later held a press conference expressing worry over his condition and alleging pressure on the hospital. She said he suffered blood clots and underwent scans in intensive care. She defended the admission, arguing doctors would not have acted without cause, and noted Apollo staff had suggested home recovery while she preferred closer monitoring.
Opposition figures have cited the audio as evidence of attempted intimidation. The ruling party insists the focus should stay on the attack rather than the recording. The episode has renewed discussion on political influence and institutional independence.
