TMC vs BJP: Showdown Over Secularism and Assembly Dynamics

TMC legislators criticize BJP's Suvendu Adhikari for his remarks on expelling Muslim MLAs if BJP wins upcoming polls. TMC demands a retraction and threatens protests and legal action. Adhikari stands by his comments amidst accusations of attempting to polarize the electorate. Chief Minister Banerjee denounces Adhikari’s rhetoric.

The political climate in West Bengal heated up as two Muslim legislators from the Trinamool Congress, one a minister, criticized BJP's Suvendu Adhikari for suggesting that Muslim MLAs might be removed from the state assembly if BJP wins the upcoming elections. The legislators demand a public retraction within 72 hours, threatening protests and legal consequences.

Humayun Kabir, one of the TMC legislators, insisted on an apology from Adhikari, asserting their readiness to demonstrate the minority community's strength in the assembly if ignored. His colleague, junior minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury, also warned of legal action while stressing the traditional coexistence of communities in India.

While Adhikari claimed his comments were misunderstood and attributed Kabir's response to the TMC's appeasement policies, the statement has sparked widespread criticism. TMC leaders, including Sobhandeb Chatterjee and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, condemned Adhikari's rhetoric, affirming their commitment to secularism and denouncing divisive politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)