In the viral video, Farakka MLA Manirul Islam can be seen addressing a rally and allegedly warning the EC not to test the patience of the TMC. He said that if the poll panel wants to “play with fire”, the TMC can do the same
The TMC MLA has sparked controversy after his alleged statement. File Pic/X
A Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator has sparked controversy after allegedly threatening to break the backbone of a senior Election Commission (EC) official. The threat reportedly came if any genuine voter is removed from the electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) exercise, PTI reported.
A video of the speech has gone viral on social media, but PTI could not independently verify its authenticity.
In the viral video, Farakka MLA Manirul Islam can be seen addressing a rally and allegedly warning the EC not to test the patience of the TMC. He said that if the poll panel wants to “play with fire”, the TMC can do the same.
He added that he would not remain silent if the EC “plays with the lives of common people”.
The remarks came days after a violent protest during an SIR hearing in Farakka, where a group of people allegedly damaged the Block Development Office (BDO) office.
The protest was said to have taken place in the presence of the MLA, according to the PTI.
At the rally, Islam said, “I will break the backbone if there is a mistake on its part in including names of every genuine voter.” He did not name any specific EC official, as per the PTI.
He also warned officials not to hide, saying he would drag them out if needed.
BJP condemns threats
According to the PTI, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh condemned the MLA’s comments, saying they reflected a “goonda culture” introduced by the TMC in West Bengal. He accused the ruling party of allowing violent threats against democratic and constitutional bodies like the Election Commission.
“Leaders like Islam are getting increasingly desperate due to fear of electoral outcomes,” Ghosh said, as per the PTI.
The TMC has not yet officially responded to the MLA’s remarks.
Protests continue across state
Protests have been held across several districts of West Bengal in recent days over alleged harassment of citizens during the SIR hearing process. The SIR exercise involves the revision of electoral rolls, including the addition or removal of names, the news agency reported.
(with PTI inputs)
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