Adhir Ranjan Supports BJP? West Bengal Congress Denies Allegations
News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/3rd May 2024
The West Bengal Congress has refuted claims regarding a video clip purportedly showing senior party leader AdhirRanjan Chowdhury endorsing the BJP, stating that the video is “doctored”. Amidst accusations of misinformation, the party shared the full video of Chowdhury’s speech to counter the false narrative being spread.
The controversy arose after several BJP and Trinamool Congress leaders circulated a clipped version of Chowdhury’s speech, alleging that the West Bengal Congress chief had advocated voting for the BJP over the Trinamool Congress during an election event. The manipulated video, shared on various social media platforms, implied that Chowdhury urged voters to choose the BJP instead of the TMC.
In response, the West Bengal Congress clarified that Chowdhury had explicitly urged voters to support Mortuza Hossain (Bokul) and not endorse either the TMC or BJP. Emphasizing that TMC and BJP are perceived as two sides of the same coin, the party condemned the dissemination of false information aimed at tarnishing its leaders’ reputation.
Furthermore, the Congress lodged a complaint with the Election Commission regarding the “fabricated video” and urged the authorities to take appropriate action against those responsible for its dissemination. Condemning the proliferation of misinformation, the party reiterated its commitment to upholding integrity in political discourse.
Despite the Congress’s rebuttal, several BJP leaders seized upon the video to criticize the party. BJP National spokesperson ShehzadPoonawalla asserted that any vote cast for the TMC would be detrimental to West Bengal, implying that Chowdhury’s purported endorsement of the BJP reflected broader concerns about the TMC’s policies.
Similarly, Trinamool Congress accused Chowdhury of aligning with the BJP’s agenda in Bengal, labeling him as the B-Team of the saffron party. The party accused Chowdhury of advocating for the BJP’s interests in the state, thereby betraying the people of West Bengal.
Responding to the controversy, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh reaffirmed the party’s primary objective of reducing the BJP’s electoral influence. While distancing the Congress from Chowdhury’s alleged remarks, Ramesh emphasized the party’s commitment to contesting against the BJP in the upcoming elections.
Chowdhury’s comments and subsequent controversy underscored tensions within the opposition alliance in West Bengal. Following failed negotiations between the Trinamool Congress and Congress regarding seat-sharing arrangements, Chowdhury intensified his criticism of the Trinamool leadership, further straining relations between the two parties.
Despite efforts to mitigate tensions, Chowdhury’s remarks against Trinamool leaders have contributed to a rift within the opposition bloc in West Bengal. While both parties continue to pursue their electoral objectives, the controversy surrounding Chowdhury’s alleged endorsement of the BJP reflects broader challenges facing the opposition alliance in the state.
