Trinamool MLA demands apology from Suvendu for calling him ‘militant’

The political tensions in West Bengal escalated further as Saokat Molla, Trinamool Congress MLA from Canning East, sent a defamation notice to Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, SuvenduAdhikari, demanding an apology within seven days. The notice follows Shubhendu’s controversial remarks, accusing Saokat of providing shelter to terrorists, specifically referring to the recently arrested Kashmiri militant Javed Munshi.

Javed Munshi, a Kashmiri terrorist, was apprehended in Canning on Saturday night, sparking a political storm in the state. Accusing the BJP-led central government, Saokat questioned the security measures at the borders, stating, "Who is responsible for the entry of militants in Bengal? What are the border guards doing? The Center is responsible."

In retaliation, Suvenduaccused Saokat of harboring militants, alleging, "Saokat Molla is another militant who gave shelter to Javed Munshi. I believe that one day, Kashmir Police will arrest him for these activities." These strong remarks triggered Saokat to take legal action.

The Canning East MLA has categorically denied the allegations, calling them baseless and defamatory. He warned Suvenduto issue an apology within seven days, failing which he would proceed with a defamation lawsuit. “Such accusations tarnish my reputation and are completely unfounded,” Saokat stated.

Political observers believe the arrest of Javed Munshi has heightened the already tense atmosphere between the Trinamool Congress and BJP in West Bengal. Both parties have been using the incident to attack each other, with accusations flying across the political spectrum.

The legal notice against Suvendumarks another chapter in the growing conflict. It remains to be seen how the Leader of Opposition will respond to the notice, as the deadline for the apology looms. Meanwhile, the arrest of Munshi continues to be a focal point of political discourse in the state.