NEW DELHI: A fresh political row erupted on Tuesday after TMC accused BJP of issuing “death threats” against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that it is trying to bring its “goli maro” and “thok do” culture into the state.The controversy was triggered by a viral video showing Election Commission-appointed police observer Ajay Pal Sharma warning TMC candidate Jahangir Khan during a raid in South 24 Parganas ahead of the assembly polls.Sharing a post on X, the TMC said, “After rape threats and the circulation of vile, derogatory caricatures, BJP has now stooped to issuing open death threats against Mamata Banerjee.”“Election Commission of India meanwhile, sits in studied silence, a mute, complicit spectator. This is the “Poriborton” BJP envisions for Bengal. They seek to transplant their “goli maro” and “thok do” culture, perfected on the streets of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, into Bengal,” the TMC added, targeting the Centre and EC.The party cited a post by BJP national spokesperson Alok Ajay, who wrote in Hindi, “डरायेगा तो ठोकाएगा दीदी,” translating it to “If you try to scare us, you will be shot dead, Didi,” and said this reflected the BJP’s stance despite Mamata being a three-time elected chief minister.The party further alleged that such rhetoric reflects a broader “culture of intimidation” has been sanctioned from the very top, by the actions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah themselves.“If this is how they speak of Didi, one shudders to think what these saffron goondas would unleash upon the ordinary mothers and daughters of Bengal,” the post read.“But mark these words. Bengal does not forget. Bengal does not forgive. This insult, this threat against its daughter, will be answered, not with words, but with votes. On 4th May, Bengal will make itself heard,” it added.
BJP rejects charge, counters TMC
Responding to the allegations, Alok Ajay dismissed the claims and accused the TMC of misrepresenting his remarks. “You guys don’t understand Hindi or what? Don’t try to play victim card… shoot and scoot is your culture not ours,” he said, adding that the BJP would not be intimidated.The controversy comes after Ajay reposted a video shared by BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya, who praised Ajay Pal Sharma as the “Singham” of Uttar Pradesh.The row stems from a video showing Sharma, deployed as a police observer in South 24 Parganas, warning TMC candidate Jehangir Khan during a raid.In the clip, Sharma is heard saying, “Tell him, we’ll deal properly with him if his men continue to threaten… don’t cry or regret it then.”Backing the officer, Malviya said he had “wasted no time in setting the tone, firmly reading the riot act to the family members.”“The message is loud and clear: the era of intimidation and impunity is over. Law and order will prevail, and those attempting to influence the electoral process will be held accountable,” he added.The controversy comes as campaigning ended on Monday ahead of polling on April 29, with results scheduled for May 4.Amid concerns over potential post-poll violence, the Election Commission of India has decided to retain around 700 companies of central forces in the state after polling. Of these, 500 companies will be deployed for law and order duties, including 200 companies of CRPF, 150 of BSF, 50 each of CISF, ITBP and SSB.The remaining 200 companies will be assigned to secure EVMs, strong rooms and counting centres until the results are declared. Officials said the extensive deployment reflects concerns over possible unrest, including retaliatory clashes and intimidation.Officials remain cautious, citing past instances of post-poll unrest in the state.Also read: ‘Don’t cry later’: UP encounter specialist on Bengal poll duty warns TMC candidate, video triggers big row
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