Did Bengal's ISF Legislator Nawsad Siddiqui Just File a Defamation Case Against Trinamool MLA Sokat Molla?

Kolkata, Sep 8 (NationPress) The Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Nawsad Siddiqui has taken legal action by lodging a defamation suit against Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla. This action was initiated at the Bankshall Court in Kolkata.

Siddiqui claims that the Trinamool legislator accused him of accepting financial incentives from the BJP to undermine the Trinamool Congress.

Additionally, Siddiqui alleged that Molla extended an offer for him to join the Trinamool Congress, even suggesting a ministerial position in the Mamata Banerjee-led government.

Upon filing the lawsuit, Siddiqui remarked to reporters: "Saokat Molla stated at one point that I received Rs 30 crore from the BJP. This is a blatant falsehood aimed at tarnishing my public reputation. I refuse to engage in a verbal duel with the Trinamool MLA; instead, I will respond through legal channels. I challenge Saokat Molla to substantiate his claims. He needs to clarify in court when and where this money was exchanged and whether it involved Rs 500 notes or any other denominations."

Since becoming an MLA, Siddiqui has frequently clashed with the Trinamool Congress, particularly with Molla, due to his influence in the South 24 Parganas district. He is the sole ISF representative in West Bengal.

In the 2021 Bengal Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress dominated, securing victories in all but one constituency in South 24 Parganas.

Out of 31 seats, the Trinamool Congress claimed 30, while the ISF secured just one. Siddiqui was elected from the Bhangar constituency.

Since then, a power struggle has emerged between the Trinamool Congress and ISF in the district, with multiple violent incidents reported since 2021, particularly during the 2023 state panchayat elections.

On numerous occasions, the Trinamool Congress attempted to persuade Siddiqui to join their ranks, but he has consistently declined these overtures.

Discussing the recent events, Siddiqui stated: "The BJP secured 77 seats in Bengal in 2021. The Trinamool Congress doesn’t seem to have significant issues with them. However, they appear to be troubled by the fact that the ISF won only one seat. They initially approached me to join their party, which I declined. Subsequently, they filed a false case against me, leading to my incarceration for 42 days and an additional 24 hours. Now, as I refuse to submit to their pressure, they resort to social media to propagate falsehoods about me."

He further accused the Trinamool Congress leaders of attempting to socially humiliate him when they fail to challenge him politically.