New Delhi: Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra rejected BJP allegations over a video clip circulating online which claims he said Lord Ram was Muslim. Mitra stated the clip was edited and taken from a speech delivered at a public event in 2024. He said the timing of the clip’s release linked to the upcoming West Bengal elections.
Mitra said the full video would show he made no such statement. He accused BJP leaders of selectively editing the footage to create controversy. He said the video shared online omitted context and distorted his words.
The BJP escalated the issue after party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posted a 35 second clip on social media. Bhandari accused Mitra of insulting Hindu faith and traditions. He said the remark reflected what he described as repeated attacks on Hindu beliefs by the Trinamool Congress. He also accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of remaining silent and giving political approval through inaction.
Mitra responded by saying the allegation relied on partial footage and political motives. He said releasing the full recording would clear the matter. He described the charge as an attempt to provoke voters ahead of elections.
The controversy unfolded amid rising political tensions between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Both parties have traded accusations over voter list revisions and conduct inside Parliament. The Trinamool also faced criticism over crowd mismanagement during footballer Lionel Messi’s recent visit to Kolkata.
Another flashpoint involved a suspended Trinamool MLA proposing a replica of the demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The proposal added to political friction in an election season marked by sharp exchanges and identity based debates.
