The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a recent escalation of political accusations, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, Dilip Ghosh, has made serious allegations against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and its leader, Sheikh Shahjahan. Ghosh asserts that Shahjahan, who is a key figure in the Sandeshkhali violence and alleged atrocities against women, is being shielded by the TMC due to his contributions of “votes” and “money” to the party. This accusation comes amid increasing tensions in West Bengal politics.
According to Ghosh, Shahjahan’s evasion from arrest since February 5, despite his alleged involvement in an attack on Enforcement Directorate officials by a mob linked to him, indicates a lack of political will for his apprehension. Ghosh also implicates a high-ranking official of the West Bengal police in aiding Shahjahan, suggesting that this official’s brief disappearance was linked to a clandestine meeting with the accused.
The political drama further unfolds as Ghosh accuses Mamata Banerjee, the TMC leader, of avoiding Sandeshkhali, suggesting her reluctance to confront public discontent. This statement was made in the context of an independent fact-finding mission headed by L Narasimha Reddy, a former Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, whose team was detained by the West Bengal Police on their way to investigate claims of violence against women in Sandeshkhali.
Adding to the controversy, recent protests in the Bermajur area of Sandeshkhali have intensified the demand for the immediate arrest of another TMC leader, Ajit Maity. Maity, who was removed from his position as TMC Anchal President amidst the protests, is accused of land grabbing and extortion, and is believed to be an associate of Shahjahan.
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, echoes Ghosh’s allegations, asserting that the West Bengal police are reluctant to arrest Shahjahan due to his influence over voter support in the region. Adhikari emphasizes the need for strict action against Shahjahan, including capital punishment, and calls for investigations by the CBI and NIA into the matter.
Adhikari also criticizes the imposition of Section 144 by the state government, labeling it as a politically motivated tactic to suppress BJP leaders. He contrasts this with the perceived independence granted to investigative agencies under Prime Minister Modi’s government.
These allegations and political tensions underscore the complexity and volatility of West Bengal’s political landscape, as both major parties engage in a high-stakes battle of accusations and counter-accusations.