TMC faces backlash over induction of BJP member accused in sexual harassment case

Trinamool Congress (TMC) has come under scrutiny following the induction of several BJP and ISF members in Bankura district, which included a controversial move to bring in BJP Panchayat Samiti member, Chandana Baouri, and her husband. Baouri's husband is currently accused in a sexual harassment case and was granted bail after being arrested. The event took place on Saturday evening at a TMC gathering in Onda, Bankura, where over a hundred members, including eight from ISF and one from BJP, joined the party.

The induction of Baouri and her husband has sparked backlash from local TMC leadership in the Lodna area. According to sources, these leaders raised concerns that the move could harm the party’s reputation due to the ongoing legal case against Baouri’s husband. He faces charges of sexually harassing a woman and was granted bail. In response, TMC’s regional leadership reportedly sent a letter to the district leadership, criticizing the decision and stating that they were not consulted about the induction of Baouri and her husband.

The induction ceremony was led by TMC's Bishnupur district president, Bikramjit Chattopadhyay, who handed the party flags to the new members. Following the event, there were reports of dissatisfaction among TMC’s lower-level leadership, who expressed concerns about the handling of the event and the inclusion of individuals with legal issues. The controversy has raised questions about the party’s decision-making process, particularly when it comes to inducting members with criminal allegations.

The BJP has accused TMC of using intimidation and inducements to secure the defection of opposition members. The party claimed that these tactics were employed to bring in members from BJP and ISF, including the induction of Baouri and her husband. While Baouri and her husband have denied the accusations of sexual harassment, they did not offer detailed responses when asked about the case during the induction event.

The developments in Bankura have added to the ongoing political tensions in the state, with TMC’s actions being closely monitored. The party is facing internal dissent over the handling of the induction, while external parties continue to scrutinize the recruitment strategies and the consequences of bringing in individuals with ongoing legal issues. The situation remains fluid as the party works to manage both the internal fallout and the public response.