CPI(M) Leader Tanmoy Bhattacharya's Suspension Extended

Synopsis

CPI(M) leader Tanmoy Bhattacharya, accused of sexual harassment last year, is set to remain suspended for an additional six months. This decision was confirmed during a recent central committee meeting in Kolkata, as the party continues to address the allegations against him.

Key Takeaways

Tanmoy Bhattacharya suspended for six more months amid allegations.
Accusations involve inappropriate behavior towards a female journalist.
Party's decision endorsed during a central committee meeting.
The general secretary position remains vacant after Yechury's death.
Bhattacharya denies the allegations, calling them a plot against him.

Kolkata, Jan 20 (NationPress) Veteran CPI(M) leader and former party legislator Tanmoy Bhattacharya, who faced allegations of sexual harassment against a woman journalist linked to a local YouTube channel last year, will continue to be suspended for an additional six months. The decision was reaffirmed by the party's state committee in West Bengal during a recent two-day central committee meeting held in New Town, on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, which concluded on Sunday evening, as confirmed by a member of the central committee on Monday.

However, Bhattacharya has maintained silence towards the media since the report was filed, leaving his stance on the issue unknown.

The central committee meeting was led by the party's current politburo coordinator and former general secretary Prakash Karat.

The position of CPI(M) general secretary remains unfilled following the unexpected passing of the former office holder Sitaram Yechury last year.

The announcement of Yechury's successor is anticipated at the upcoming CPI(M) Congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu in April.

In October of last year, the female reporter associated with an independent YouTube channel accused Bhattacharya of engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior during an interview at his residence.

The state committee acted swiftly, suspending him on the same day and initiating an internal investigation through the party's internal complaints committee.

Following the FIR lodged by the reporter at Baranagar Police Station, Bhattacharya has been summoned multiple times for questioning; however, the police have not taken coercive action against him.

Bhattacharya has consistently denied the sexual harassment allegations, asserting that they are part of a preconceived scheme to tarnish his reputation.

"I am a communist and will remain one until my last breath. If I am exonerated, I will stay an activist of CPI(M). If my party finds me guilty and expels me, I will still be a communist until my dying day. Even if I can no longer be an activist with CPI(M), my commitment to communism will endure," Bhattacharya previously stated.