TMC, BJP war of words over ‘terrorist’s name on voters’ list’
Times of India | 23 December 2024
12 Kolkata: Trinamool and BJP engaged in a political slugfest on Sunday over claims of the name of a Bangladeshi terrorist, affiliated to Ansarullah Bangla Team, appearing on the voters' list in Bengal. TMC claimed that historically terrorists have used Bengal as a safe haven, and the trend reversed only in the last decade, during the party's time in office. BJP demanded a thorough revision of the voters' list.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "The presence of members of the terror module is nothing new to Bengal. Terrorist outfits used Bengal as a safe haven during the three decades of the Left Front regime. There were blasts at Lalbazar and attacks at the American consulate in Kolkata. This trend has reversed since TMC came to office."
"Union home ministry has said in Parliament that terrorists are active in 14 states, many of them governed by BJP. If there is any cross-border infiltration, it is Centre's job to stop that. The BSF should be alert," Ghosh added.
BJP's Amit Malviya posted on X that "one of these terrorists, Shada Rati Sheikh, operating under the direction of Farhan Ishraq, right-hand man of Ansarul Bangla chief Jasimuddin Rahmani, holds voter ID cards for two separate constituencies — Kandi and Hariharpara in Murshidabad, West Bengal."
"This incident is just the tip of the iceberg. Illegal infiltrators obtaining voting rights have become a significant part of the TMC's voter base, enabling their continued grip on power. Immediate and decisive action is essential to address this grave threat to democracy and national security," Malviya added.
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