1. BJP criticizes TMC for nominating Shatrughan Sinha from Asansol in Lok Sabha elections.
2. Amit Malviya, BJP’s IT cell head, questions TMC’s choice, citing association with rape-accused individuals.
3. TMC faces scrutiny over Sinha’s candidacy amid allegations of nominating tainted candidates.
Kolkata, March 11: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) following the nomination of veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha as its candidate from Asansol in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Amit Malviya, the head of BJP’s IT cell, took to X to criticize Sinha’s candidacy, highlighting TMC’s alleged association with individuals accused of rape. Malviya shared an old clip from Sinha’s film, accusing the TMC of harboring “rapists, both in real (like Shahjahan Sheikh) and reel life.”
Meet @ShatruganSinha, TMC’s candidate from Asansol. TMC rank is full of rapists, both in real (likes of Shahjahan Sheikh) and reel life.
Surprised Mamata Banerjee didn’t ask Shatrughan Sinha to join her on the eve of International Women’s Day for the sham women empowerment march. pic.twitter.com/BRHstki5gS— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) March 10, 2024
Adding to the criticism, BJP state secretary Priyanka Tibrewal drew parallels between what she termed as “real and reel-life heroes” of the TMC.
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Tibrewal condemned TMC’s choice of candidates, asserting that individuals tainted with criminal charges have been given tickets by the party. She specifically mentioned Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from parliament, as an example.
Tibrewal’s remarks emphasized the similarity between the alleged actions of individuals associated with the TMC, both in real life and on screen.
She accused TMC of endorsing individuals with questionable backgrounds, casting doubt on the party’s integrity.
Earlier this month, Bhojpuri actor-singer Pawan Singh withdrew his candidature as a BJP candidate for the Asansol Lok Sabha seat. Singh’s decision came amid criticism from the TMC, which raised objections to some of his songs, alleging vulgarity and disrespect towards women.
In response to Singh’s withdrawal, Shatrughan Sinha dismissed the matter as an internal affair of the BJP. Sinha stated that he was not personally acquainted with Singh but acknowledged his reputation as a singer and artist.
The controversy surrounding Sinha’s candidacy underscores the intense political landscape in West Bengal as parties gear up for the upcoming elections.
The exchange between the BJP and TMC highlights the acrimonious tone of the electoral battle, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between the rival factions.