Kolkata, 12 March (H.S.): A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal’s Nandigram in East Medinipur district after a purported video of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pralay Pal making objectionable remarks about women surfaced on social media.

According to reports, the viral video allegedly shows Pal using derogatory language against women. However, the authenticity of the video, however, could not be independently verified by Hindusthan Samachar.

Following the circulation of the clip, the women’s wing of the Trinamool Congress staged a protest on Wednesday night, demanding the immediate arrest of the BJP leader. A large number of women activists gathered outside Nandigram police station around 9 pm and demonstrated against Pal, raising slogans and pressing for legal action.

Later, a delegation of the Trinamool Congress women’s wing submitted a written complaint at the police station seeking strict action and the arrest of the accused leader.

Reacting to the incident, West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya condemned the alleged remarks and said the episode reflected the “narrow mindset” of BJP leaders towards women.

East Medinipur district Trinamool Congress president Sujit Roy also criticised Pal, saying it was unfortunate that leaders of a party which raises the slogan of “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” could make such statements.

Meanwhile, BJP Tamluk district vice-president Anandamoy Adhikari said he was not fully aware of the context in which the alleged remark was made and that it needed to be verified whether the video was genuine or tampered with.

Attempts to contact Pal for his response were unsuccessful. The police said a complaint has been received and an inquiry into the matter has been initiated, while security has been tightened in the area to maintain law and order.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey