– Shabana Javed
Kolkata, Feb. 21: While the Mamata government is facing criticism over the Sandeshkhali issue, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s remark on the Sikh police officer has caused a commotion.
Suvendu Adhikari was accused of calling a Sikh police officer Khalistani on the way to Sandeshkhali. The opposition party leader called it a distraction to Trinamool. In a letter to the Prime Minister on the Aadhaar issue, he called Mamata a ‘liar’.
Police contingent stopped BJP leaders and workers from visiting Sandeshkhali, which is at the centre of a separate political row.
Posting a video of the incident on her X handle, the Chief Minister said, “The BJP’s divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries. As per BJP4India, every person wearing a turban is a Khalistani. I vehemently condemn this audacious attempt to undermine the reputation of our Sikh brothers & sisters, revered for their sacrifices and unwavering determination to our nation. We stand firm in protecting Bengal’s social harmony and will take stern lawful measures to prevent any attempts to disrupt it.”
After she posted the video, many of her party leaders condemned the incident. A Sikh community organization also protested in front of the BJP state office here. However, Adhikari dismissed the allegation as false.
About the incident, ADG (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar said, “We are shocked to hear this. It can’t be done. It is a legally punishable offence. We will take legal action against it.”
