‘Silenced for years under TMC, people now complaining without fear’: Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on FIR against Abhishek Banerjee
The Statesman | 17 May 2026
A fresh political confrontation has erupted in West Bengal after an FIR was lodged against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee over alleged inflammatory campaign speeches made during the recently concluded Assembly election campaign. Addressing reporters in Kolkata on Saturday, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh launched a fierce attack on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, accusing TMC leaders of creating an atmosphere of intimidation over the years.
Ghosh said that people in the state are no longer afraid to file complaints against powerful political figures.
According to Ghosh, fear had earlier prevented citizens from approaching the police, but the situation has now changed, leading to legal action against influential political figures.
Ghosh claimed that a new political climate has emerged in the state where complainants are stepping forward, and law enforcement agencies are acting on grievances without hesitation.
He alleged that opposition workers and ordinary citizens had long remained silent because they feared reprisals from ruling party leaders. Referring to the FIR against Abhishek Banerjee, the BJP leader said those accused of threatening or intimidating others during the election campaign should now be prepared to face legal scrutiny.
He further asserted that police authorities, who allegedly remained inactive earlier, are now responding promptly to complaints and that action would be taken irrespective of political stature.
The FIR was registered on May 15 at the Bidhannagar North Cyber Crime Police Station against Abhishek Banerjee over alleged provocative and threatening remarks delivered during election rallies across West Bengal.
The complaint was filed by Rajib Sarkar, a resident of Baguiati in Kolkata, who accused the TMC MP of making inflammatory speeches capable of disturbing public order and fuelling political hostility during campaign events linked to the 2026 Assembly elections.
According to the complaint, the speeches were allegedly circulated through Banerjee’s official Facebook account and other social media platforms.
The FIR specifically mentions rallies held in Maheshtala, Arambagh, Haringhata and Nandigram during March and April, where the complainant alleged that aggressive statements were made against opposition workers and political rivals.
The complaint also refers to remarks allegedly directed at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which the complainant claimed contributed to political tension and public unrest during the election season.
Police have registered the case under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with sections of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The charges include allegations related to promoting enmity, provoking unrest, intimidation and statements allegedly capable of disturbing public tranquillity during the election process.
The FIR has added another layer of political tension in West Bengal, where the BJP and the Trinamool Congress continue to accuse each other of using aggressive rhetoric and intimidation during the fiercely contested Assembly elections.