Did Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee Just File an FIR Against Bengal's Governor?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kalyan Banerjee files an FIR against the Governor amidst serious allegations.
- The legal battle involves multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- The Governor's office argues that these allegations threaten social stability.
- Joint operations at Raj Bhavan yielded no incriminating evidence.
- Political tensions in West Bengal are escalating rapidly.
Kolkata, Nov 19 (NationPress) The escalating conflict between West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee took a dramatic turn on Wednesday when Banerjee filed an FIR against the Governor at a Kolkata police station. This action stems from Banerjee's allegations that arms and ammunition were being handed out to BJP-affiliated goons operating from Raj Bhavan.
The FIR was lodged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including Section 61 (criminal conspiracy), Section 152 (acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), Section 192 (provocation to cause a riot), Section 196 (promoting communal hatred), and Section 353 (public mischief).
This legal move comes just a day after the Governor's office initiated a lawsuit against the Trinamool Congress MP in the Calcutta High Court. The suit argues that Banerjee's remarks not only undermine the dignity of the Governor’s position but also contribute to an atmosphere of confusion and potential social unrest.
The controversy ignited on Saturday when Banerjee claimed during a media interaction that Raj Bhavan was providing refuge to “criminals” linked to the BJP. He insisted that the Governor should cease offering sanctuary to these individuals and distributing weapons intended for violence against Trinamool Congress supporters. Banerjee stated, “As long as an incompetent Governor like you is in power, with your allegiance to the BJP, West Bengal will see no progress.”
In response, the Governor labeled Banerjee's allegations as “inflammatory, explosive, and reckless,” warning of potential legal consequences. He demanded an unconditional apology from Banerjee if the claims were baseless.
On Monday, the Governor took proactive measures by conducting a joint search operation within the Raj Bhavan premises to verify the allegations made by the MP. Following the investigation, which yielded no incriminating evidence, the Governor threatened legal action against Banerjee, culminating in the lawsuit filed at the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday.