Calls for Action Against Religious Polarization in West Bengal Elections

West Bengal Congress leader Soumya Aich Roy urges Governor CV Ananda Bose to address alleged religious polarization by Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir and Berhampur MP Yusuf Pathan. In a letter, Roy claims that Kabir's remarks on using religious lines for election victory violate laws and demand immediate action.

West Bengal is witnessing political turmoil as Congress leader Soumya Aich Roy has formally requested Governor CV Ananda Bose to take immediate action against Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir and Berhampur MP Yusuf Pathan. Roy accuses the politicians of polarising voters along religious lines to achieve victory in the 2024 general elections, a serious allegation that raises questions about electoral integrity.

In his letter dated October 3rd, Roy references a statement made by Kabir, which seemingly admits to manipulation based on religion, a direct violation of laws that prohibit the promotion of enmity between groups on such grounds. The Congress leader cited Section 196 of The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023, emphasizing that such acts are punishable. He further highlighted Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which restricts speech that endangers national unity.

Trinamool Congress leader Yusuf Pathan won the Baharampur parliamentary seat by securing 524,516 votes, defeating Congress veteran Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. As the controversy unfolds, Soumya Aich Roy is pressing for the cancellation of Kabir's Assembly membership and nullification of the elections, seeking the Governor's intervention in what he deems a breach of democratic principles.

(With inputs from agencies.)