Key Highlights
- A heated debate has erupted in West Bengal over the statement of former BJP MP Arjun Singh.
- Like Nepal, there has been a call for a mass uprising against corruption in West Bengal.
- At least 14 cases have been filed against him so far.
- The Trinamool Congress has alleged that he threatened to kill the Chief Minister.
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a warning to avoid unrest.
- The state BJP has distanced itself from Arjun Singh’s statement.
- Arjun Singh is reluctant to back down from his statement despite the case and criticism.
Arjun Singh’s statement sparks controversy in West Bengal
A huge controversy has erupted in the political arena in West Bengal, India, over a statement by former BJP MP Arjun Singh. Like in Nepal, he called on the youth of West Bengal to stage a mass uprising against corruption. At least 14 cases have been filed against him due to this statement.
Controversial remarks
On Thursday (September 11), the former MP from Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas said,
‘রক্তপাত ছাড়া কোনো দুর্নীতিগ্রস্ত শাসন শেষ হয় না। নেপালের যুবসমাজ দুর্নীতির বিরুদ্ধে যেভাবে রুখে দাঁড়িয়েছে, বাংলার তরুণ-তরুণীদেরও সেই সাহস দেখানো উচিত। এই দুর্নীতিগ্রস্ত সরকারকে উৎখাত করতে গণ–অভ্যুত্থান প্রয়োজন।’
Translation: “No corrupt regime ends without bloodshed. The youth of Bengal should show the same courage as the youth of Nepal has stood up against corruption. A mass uprising is needed to overthrow this corrupt government.”
He further claims,
‘মহাত্মা গান্ধীর অহিংস আন্দোলন ব্রিটিশ শাসনকে বিদায় করেনি। কোনো স্বৈরাচারী সরকার পতনের জন্য রক্তপাত অনিবার্য।’
Translation: “Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent movement did not end British rule. Bloodshed is inevitable for the fall of any authoritarian government.”
Read more: Historic Diamond ‘Dariya-E-Noor’ to Be Unveiled in Bangladesh After 117 Years
Trinamool Congress’s allegation
After Arjun Singh’s statement, the Trinamool Congress alleged that he had made provocative remarks and threatened to kill Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Due to this, the municipal councilors filed complaints against him in several police stations of Barrackpore Commissionerate. It is learnt that at least 14 FIRs have been registered so far.
Chief Minister’s warning
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a warning after the incident, saying,
‘প্রতিবেশী দেশের অশান্তির সুযোগে কেউ কেউ ঘোলা পানিতে মাছ ধরতে চাইছে। বাংলায় অশান্তি বাধানোর চেষ্টা হতে পারে। সবাইকে সজাগ থাকতে হবে।’
Translation: “Some people are trying to fish in troubled waters by taking advantage of the unrest in neighboring countries. There may be an attempt to cause unrest in Bengal. Everyone must be vigilant.”
State BJP’s position
The state BJP did not agree with Arjun Singh’s statement. They claimed that it is the jurisdiction of the Ministry of External Affairs to comment on the situation in neighboring countries. However, BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya countered by saying,
‘বাংলাদেশ সীমান্তবর্তী জেলাগুলোর জনবিন্যাস দ্রুত বদলে যাচ্ছে। মুখ্যমন্ত্রী বরং সেদিকে নজর দিন।’
Translation: “The demographics of the districts bordering Bangladesh are changing rapidly. The Chief Minister should pay attention to that.”
Arjun Singh stands firm on his stand
Despite multiple lawsuits and intense criticism, Arjun Singh has not backed down from his statement. He said,
‘আমি আবারও বলছি, বাংলায় দুর্নীতিগ্রস্ত সরকারকে উৎখাতের জন্য গণ–অভ্যুত্থান প্রয়োজন। আমার বিরুদ্ধে ১৮৪টি মামলা আছে, আরও ৪০০ হোক, আমি তা স্বাগত জানাই।’
Translation: “I say again, a mass uprising is needed to overthrow the corrupt government in Bengal. I have 184 cases against me, let there be 400 more, I welcome it.”
Source: Channel 24
