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The political landscape of West Bengal has been further ignited by the filing of two FIRs against actor and senior BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty, accused of making provocative remarks during a BJP membership drive launch in Kolkata on October 27. The controversy centers around Chakraborty's alleged hate speech, which has sparked outrage and accusations of inciting communal tensions.
According to police sources, a case was registered at the Bidhannagar South police station, while another FIR was filed at Bowbazar police station based on a “specific complaint”. Chakraborty has been booked on charges of sudden provocation among others. The BJP has vehemently denied these accusations, claiming that the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is unfairly targeting Chakraborty for political gain.
The incident unfolded during a BJP event attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where Chakraborty made inflammatory remarks about the Hindu-Muslim ratio in West Bengal. Referring to a statement by senior TMC leader Humayun Kabir, who was censured by the Election Commission for his remarks, Chakraborty stated that “70% of the population here is Muslim, and 30% Hindu… If you throw in the Bhagirathi river, one day will come when we will also throw… not in the Bhagirathi because it is our mother… but we will bury you on the other side.” His words have been widely condemned as a direct threat to the Muslim community, fueling tensions ahead of the upcoming by-elections in six Assembly seats scheduled for November 13.
The BJP, however, has defended Chakraborty's remarks, claiming that they were taken out of context and that he was merely responding to the TMC's aggressive rhetoric. The party's State President, Sukanta Majumdar, called the accusations against Chakraborty “false” and a result of political rivalry. He further accused the Chief Minister of using the police to target the BJP leader, underscoring the deeply polarized political atmosphere in West Bengal.
This incident highlights the increasing use of inflammatory language and the escalating tensions between the BJP and the TMC in West Bengal. The FIRs against Chakraborty, coupled with the ongoing political rivalry, have raised concerns about the potential for communal violence in the state leading up to the by-elections. The incident underscores the delicate balance between free speech and the need to prevent hate speech, particularly in a politically charged environment.
The upcoming by-elections will be a crucial test for both the BJP and the TMC, and the outcome will likely be influenced by the recent controversy surrounding Chakraborty. With both parties vying for power, the political discourse in West Bengal continues to be marred by accusations, counter-accusations, and escalating tensions. The question remains whether the political leaders will prioritize dialogue and peaceful coexistence or continue to stoke communal sentiments for political gain.
Source: Two FIRs filed against actor-BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty for alleged hate speech in West Bengal