West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of “politically misusing” the Indian Army after soldiers attempted to dismantle a stage erected by her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party at central Kolkata’s Dharmatala, near the Gandhi statue.

The stage had been set up as part of weekly demonstrations by the ruling party to protest what it calls discrimination and harassment faced by Bengali-speaking migrant workers.

Army personnel began removing the structure around midday, saying the party’s permission to keep it in place had expired, according to defence sources. Banerjee rushed to the site after being informed, accusing the BJP-led federal government of orchestrating the move.

“They cut our microphone connections and broke the stage. The Army is not at fault; they are acting under Delhi’s instructions,” Banerjee told supporters. “When the Army has to follow BJP’s orders, it raises questions about where the country is heading.”

Banerjee, who has often clashed with the central government over federal powers, said the protest would now be shifted to Rani Rashmoni Road, another designated venue for political rallies in Kolkata.

The Army did not immediately comment beyond confirming that the temporary structure’s permission had lapsed. The BJP has not responded to Banerjee’s allegations.