MP, MLA supporters clash at Ghatal meet

Midnapore: Supporters claiming allegiance to Trinamool MP Dev and local MLA Shankar Dolui clashed in the presence of both functionaries at a preparatory meeting for a children's fair convened at Ghatal stadium on SundayDev left the meeting, cancelling it, and later said he would withdraw from the fair organising committee.The clash resulted in several injuries, with victims requiring hospitalisation. Authorities deployed police to control the situation.Dev said he had initially not been part of the committee but was included later. The day's meeting was intended to bring Dev and Dolui supporters together, culminating in a joint press conference by the MP and MLA to demonstrate unity. Dolui later expressed his disappointment with the meeting's outcome, suggesting the violence had been planned.Later, addressing the public, Dev apologised to Ghatal residents and committed to preventing such occurrences in the future, regardless of his MP status. He emphasised that Ghatal's residents were traditionally peaceful, and this incident was uncharacteristic. Dev clarified that the fair was intended for public benefit, not political purposes, with plans to ensure reasonable pricing at stalls.