Malda, 08 January (H.S.) :

Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday made a strong political statement from Malda, alleging that several other political parties have “struck a deal” with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He also made an indirect but sharp reference to the controversy involving suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, while emphasising the need to maintain communal harmony.

Addressing a public meeting at Jalangi under the Mangalbari gram panchayat in the Old Malda police station area, Banerjee said migrant workers from West Bengal would no longer be forced to travel to other states in search of employment. He assured that efforts were being made to expand job opportunities within the state itself.

Listening to the grievances of migrant workers at the meeting, Banerjee targeted the Centre and the BJP, alleging that Bengali-speaking migrant labourers were being harassed in other states and branded as “Bangladeshis.” He said that the TMC would provide legal assistance to any migrant worker targeted in such a manner.

Referring indirectly to the recent “Babri Masjid” construction remarks made by Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir—who was subsequently suspended from the party—Banerjee said leaders who were once BJP candidates were now attempting to divide society in the name of religion. “Some people want to make money by doing politics in the name of religion. Help the poor—that is the message of the Quran,” he said, without naming Kabir.

Notably, Humayun Kabir had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Jangipur on a BJP ticket but was defeated. The TMC has claimed that the controversy was fuelled with the backing of the BJP, an allegation denied by the saffron party.

Meanwhile, Banerjee announced the expansion of the ‘Ek Daake Abhishek’ helpline for migrant workers in Malda. The helpline is already operational in his Diamond Harbour constituency. “Malda is also part of my extended family. If any migrant worker is harassed by being labelled a Bangladeshi, the Trinamool Congress will ensure legal support,” he said.

Accusing the BJP of practising divisive politics, Banerjee said religion has no place in moments of crisis. “When someone falls ill at midnight, no ambulance driver asks about religion. BJP divides society, while Trinamool Congress stands for communal harmony,” he added.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh