Congress Leader Abdur Rahim Bakshi Gives Threat To Throw Acid On BJP MLA Amid Protests Over Migrant Workers

Abdur Rahim Bakshi, the Malda district Trinamool Congress (TMC) President, recently made a controversial statement. He threatened to pour acid into the mouth of a BJP MLA. This remark was made during a protest against alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in other states.

In his speech, Mr Bakshi targeted BJP legislator Shankar Ghosh without naming him directly. He referred to Mr Ghosh's past comments in the assembly where he described migrant workers from Bengal as "Rohingyas" or "Bangladeshis." Mr Bakshi stated: "The one who shamelessly says that the 30 lakh migrant workers of Bengal who work outside are not Bengalis... they are Rohingyas, they are Bangladeshis. He shouted this. I said it then and I am saying it today -- if I hear this from you again, I will burn your voice to ashes with acid inside your mouth. You should know that this is West Bengal. We Bengalis will not give you a place to speak. I will burn your face with acid."

Political Tensions Rise

The BJP quickly condemned these remarks, accusing TMC of promoting intimidation and violence. Khagen Murmu, BJP's Member of Parliament from Malda Uttar, expressed that such threats reveal TMC's desperation before state elections. "This is the culture of the Trinamool Congress. Their job is to intimidate people," Mr Murmu remarked.

Mr Murmu further commented on the frequency of such statements in Malda, suggesting they are attempts by TMC leaders to remain in the spotlight. He believes that fear of losing upcoming assembly elections is influencing TMC's actions.

TMC Leadership's Stance

Despite repeated warnings from TMC leader Mamata Banerjee against using inflammatory language, Mr Bakshi's comments have surfaced again. Ms Banerjee had previously cautioned party members about making irresponsible statements that could harm the party's reputation.

During a recent review meeting focused on election preparedness, Ms Banerjee reminded leaders about the potential damage caused by derogatory remarks. Her warnings seem to have gone unheeded with Mr Bakshi's latest outburst.

BJP's Response and Actions

The BJP has responded by staging protests in Malda against what they claim are false police cases targeting their workers. Mr Murmu led a sit-in demonstration as part of these protests.