Kolkata, 26 October (H.S.) : Severe factionalism within the ruling BJP in the Barrackpore industrial belt has spilled out into the open, with Barrackpore MLA and lawyer Kaustav Bagchi launching a scathing attack on State Minister Arjun Singh. Addressing a press conference, Bagchi expressed explosive outrage over allegations that individuals accused in the sensational murder of BJP leader Manish Shukla were seen sharing a stage with Singh.

While Bagchi refrained from explicitly naming the minister initially, he displayed several photographs and stated, Some of our own people are being seen with Manish Shukla’s killers. This is completely unacceptable and does not look good. Launching a direct challenge, Bagchi issued a stern warning against the induction of certain political figures into the party, roaring, I will not let Uttam Das (former Barrackpore municipality chief) and Prashanta Chowdhury (former Titagarh municipality chief) enter the BJP under any circumstances.

Highlighting his political resolve, the Barrackpore MLA reminded the press of his past vows. Everyone knows my political determination. I kept my head shaved for three and a half years and endured mockery, vowing not to grow my hair until Mamata Banerjee's government fell, he said. Escalating his stance, Bagchi threatened extreme measures, stating, If needed, I will pour kerosene and set myself on fire in front of the BJP state headquarters.

When approached for a response to Bagchi's fiery remarks, State Minister Arjun Singh largely dismissed the outburst, briefly stating, I know how to do politics.

The controversy traces back to 2020, when prominent BJP leader Manish Shukla was brutally gunned down at point-blank range in front of the party office in Titagarh. The murder, which sent shockwaves through the Barrackpore industrial region's political landscape, was later revealed by investigators to be the work of contract killers brought in from outside the state. Bagchi alleges that the very individuals implicated in this conspiracy are now being sheltered by 'insiders'.

Refusing to back down, Bagchi announced that he is initiating legal steps to expedite the murder trial. To fast-track the proceedings, he is drafting letters to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Secretary, the DG of CID, and the Barrackpore Police Commissioner.

This public confrontation has laid bare a deep internal rift within the Barrackpore BJP, leaving political observers questioning whether Bagchi will sustain his aggressive push for justice or yield to potential party pressure.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh