Trinamool Congress Pulls Spokespersons from TV Debates Amid Rape-Murder Controversy
In response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced that it will refrain from participating in TV debates on certain channels. The party accuses ABP Ananda, Republic, and TV9 of engaging in “anti-Bengal” propaganda.
The TMC issued a statement on X, explaining its decision: “AITC has, for now decided not to send its spokespersons to media channels like ABP Ananda, Republic, and TV9 due to their persistent ANTI-BENGAL agenda-driven PROPAGANDA. We understand their compulsion to appease the ZAMINDARS of Delhi, given the investigations and ongoing enforcement cases their promoters and companies are facing.”
The statement continued, “We also clarify and request the people of West Bengal not to be misled by individuals portrayed as party supporters or sympathizers on these platforms during discussions or debates, as they are not authorized by the party and do not represent our official stance. The people of Bengal have consistently rejected this unholy BANGLA BIRODHI NEXUS and have always chosen TRUTH over PROPAGANDA.”
This announcement follows a contentious debate involving senior Trinamool leader and MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul on ABP Ananda. During the debate, Ms. Dastidar, who is the Trinamool’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, referred to Ms. Paul, a well-known fashion designer, as a “saree maker.” In response, Ms. Paul expressed pride in her profession and accused the Mamata Banerjee government of protecting criminals and neglecting women’s issues.
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Additionally, Ms. Dastidar’s remarks about medical students during the Communist Party of India (Marxist) era in Bengal, specifically her claim that they were “made to sit on laps” to pass exams, provoked significant backlash from women doctors. In response to the criticism, Ms. Dastidar issued an apology on X, stating, “I am sorry for any statement made in ABP anondo talk show and apologize if my recent words have hurt anyone’s sentiments. I retract my statement. My intention has been and will always be to champion the cause of well-being and rights of women.”
TV debates on Bengali channels have become heated as Trinamool and BJP leaders engage in fierce exchanges. The BJP has accused the TMC of covering up the rape and murder case, while the TMC claims the BJP and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) are attempting to incite unrest in the state.
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