Ex-TMC leader’s wife seen holding AK-47 rifle as anniversary gift, leader claims it's a toy gun after backlash

Kolkata: Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, Riazul Haque, found himself embroiled in a controversy as he marked his first wedding anniversary by presenting his wife, Sabina Yasmin, with an unexpected gift.

He shared a photo of his wife who was seen holding an AK-47 rifle on social media. The post, however, was swiftly deleted following backlash from local BJP leaders and CPIM members who criticized him for allegedly promoting extremist ideals reminiscent of the Taliban.

Riazul, however, denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his wife was posing with a toy gun. He claimed that "nothing illegal was done" and that the allegations were baseless, as the firearm was being used as a prop.

Riazul, previously associated with the TMC's minority cell, recently resigned from his position as president of the Rampurhat-1 block. His close ties with Ashish Bandyopadhyay, Deputy Speaker and MLA of Rampurhat.

The BJP demanded an inquiry into the acquisition of the firearm by Riazul. Dhrubo Saha, BJP district president from Birbhum, questioned the source of the gun and the message it conveys, insinuating a potential promotion of extremist ideologies.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) also weighed in, urging intervention from the state administration. Birbhum CPIM leader Sonjib Mullick emphasized the importance of addressing the public display of firearms, particularly when associated with political figures.