The Trinamool Congress has formally lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, urging action against BJP candidate Abhijit Gangopadhyay for what they deemed as "misogynistic" comments directed at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
A video circulating online purportedly captures Gangopadhyay, a former High Court judge turned politician, making disparaging remarks targeting the Trinamool chief. However, the BJP has vehemently denied the authenticity of the video, labeling it as fake and a smear campaign orchestrated by the Trinamool.
"This is a ploy by the TMC to release fake videos and malign the BJP. But that won't make any difference in the elections," stated BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya in response to the allegations.
In its communication to the Election Commission, the Trinamool Congress condemned Gangopadhyay's comments as "very shameful and egregious," citing them as evidence of his "misogynistic mindset."
"Mr. Gangopadhyay's vulgar and uncouth remark(s)/comment(s) are completely beyond the grounds of decency and morality. They not only lack decorum but also exhibit a blatant disregard of the only lady Chief Minister, Smt. Mamata Banerjee," read an excerpt from the letter.
Accusing BJP candidates of resorting to "indecorous and degrading statements" against women to gain electoral advantage, the Trinamool demanded stringent action against Gangopadhyay. The party urged the Election Commission to initiate criminal proceedings against the BJP candidate and restrict his participation in public events.
Furthermore, the Trinamool sought directives to be issued to all BJP candidates, prohibiting them from making "personal, objectionable, and disgraceful" remarks during the election campaign.
The purported video, which surfaced on Thursday, sparked controversy, with the Trinamool Congress seizing the opportunity to highlight what they perceive as the BJP's "anti-women" stance, particularly in the wake of the Sandeshkhali incident.
Addressing the media, Trinamool leader and West Bengal minister Shashi Panja vowed to pursue legal action against Gangopadhyay. "He is a candidate and a former judge. He must be aware of the legal matters than most of us. Can a candidate use such words?" she questioned.
With the remaining constituencies in West Bengal set to vote on May 20, May 25, and June 1, the Trinamool's complaint adds another layer of contention to an already heated electoral battle. All eyes are now on the Election Commission's response as the political drama unfolds ahead of the vote count on June 4.