Did a Trinamool MLA Really Threaten to 'Burn' BJP Leaders Alive?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Trinamool MLA’s threats have raised concerns about political rhetoric.
- Voter rights are under scrutiny amidst the electoral revision process.
- Political accountability is essential for maintaining democratic integrity.
- The incident is part of a broader trend of alarming threats from political leaders.
- Public trust in electoral processes is crucial for democracy.
Kolkata, Oct 27 (NationPress) A viral video has surfaced showing a Trinamool Congress MLA threatening to "burn" BJP leaders and workers alive if any true voter's name is removed from the electoral rolls during the Election Commission of India (ECI)-suggested Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.
“Otherwise, the SIR would not trouble us. However, if the names of genuine voters are removed from the voters' lists due to the SIR, I will set the BJP leaders and workers ablaze. They are attempting to pollute the environment in West Bengal and deny the public their voting rights in the name of SIR. I urge everyone to stay vigilant in these times,” stated Nisith Kumar Malik, the Trinamool Congress MLA from Bardhaman (Uttar) Assembly in East Burdwan district, as heard in the video.
This statement was reportedly made during an interaction with local media on Sunday afternoon. IANS has not been able to verify the video's authenticity.
He further mentioned that the SIR has caused anxiety among voters from the Hindu community, particularly refugees from Bangladesh, such as the Matuas and Rajbanshis.
“I recognize their distress. However, I urge them to trust the state government and the Trinamool Congress. We will guarantee that not a single genuine voter's name is removed from the voters’ list,” Malik added.
BJP spokesman Soumyajit Bandopadhyay remarked that such threatening remarks are typical of Trinamool Congress leaders, indicating their ideological and political decline.
This is not an isolated incident; Trinamool Congress leaders have made similar threats before.
Earlier this month, two state cabinet members, Tajmul Hossain, Minister of State for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department, and Sabina Yasmin, Minister of State for the State Irrigation and Waterways Department, were overheard publicly threatening riots over the SIR.
Additionally, Trinamool Congress MP and former Minister Partha Bhowmik warned at a public gathering that "West Bengal would boil if any true voter's name is erased from the voters' list after the SIR."
He urged citizens to "pursue and detain BJP leaders in various areas of the state if any genuine voter's name is removed from the voters' list."
On October 9, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated during a press briefing that she would not accept the removal of names from any specific community in the voters' list.
"I am imploring the ECI not to play with fire. A crisis caused by a natural disaster still exists in West Bengal. Homes of many have been swept away due to floods. In such circumstances, how will they provide the necessary documents for the SIR? Some are away due to the festive season. How will they present the documents?" the Chief Minister had expressed.