Kolkata: Delivering a stern message on the floor of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a severe warning to Nawda MLA Humayun Kabir for his alleged inflammatory speeches. Adhikari made it clear that the state government will not tolerate any form of lawlessness or hooliganism, signalling strict legal action against the legislator.
The assembly witnessed chaotic scenes earlier in the day when BJP legislators, led by Nagrakata MLA Punna Bhengra and Narayangarh MLA Ramprasad Giri, protested against Kabir. Carrying posters, they accused the Nawda MLA of using objectionable language against the Chief Minister and inciting violence. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shankar Ghosh intervened, assuring the house that the Chief Minister would address the issue.
Addressing the assembly, Adhikari read excerpts from two highly controversial speeches delivered by Kabir. The Chief Minister also mentioned that former MLA Saukat Molla had sought forgiveness through a phone message, but asserted that he holds no authority to grant pardons and the Nawda MLA would certainly not be spared.
Detailing the allegations, Adhikari referred to a party gathering in the Kashipur area of Rejinagar on June 26. He stated that Kabir targeted BJP MLA Anamika Ghosh and openly threatened BJP supporters. According to the Chief Minister, Kabir warned that if he mobilised the Muslim community, BJP workers would face severe consequences and no one would be left to carry the party flag. Kabir also allegedly threatened to block roads with lakhs of supporters, disregarding jail capacities and the authority of the police superintendent or the Chief Minister.
The second incident highlighted took place on June 8 at Duara Ghat in Shaktipur. Adhikari alleged that Kabir directed abusive language at a local police officer over the arrest of his nephew. The MLA reportedly threatened to surround the police station with ten thousand supporters and drag the officer out by his collar.
Reacting sharply to these statements, Adhikari declared that the time had come to teach such individuals a lesson. Targeting former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he stated that the days of a weak administration were over and people could no longer do whatever they pleased.
The Chief Minister informed the house that two specific First Information Reports have already been registered against Kabir under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Decoding the political motive, Adhikari claimed that Kabir is playing a dangerous game to divide the 72 percent Muslim vote bank in the area. With bypolls expected in Rejinagar soon, the Chief Minister alleged that the MLA is desperately trying to consolidate support for his son after failing to influence local elected panchayats.