FIR Filed Against Mithun Chakraborty Over Provocative Remarks at BJP Meeting
Kolkata: The Kolkata Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty following a complaint that accused him of making provocative statements during an October 27 BJP meeting in Kolkata. The remarks, made in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, allegedly have the potential to incite violence and create communal tension.
The complaint, filed on Monday evening at the Bowbazar police station by an unnamed individual for security reasons, claims that Chakraborty’s speech during the BJP’s organisational meeting could lead to unrest. In his address, Chakraborty targeted Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator Humayun Kabir, who had made controversial remarks about the population ratio in the Murshidabad district, a region with a significant Muslim population. Chakraborty’s comments, according to the complaint, were interpreted as a veiled threat, which could escalate tensions in the state.
During his speech, Chakraborty referred to Kabir’s remarks about the district’s demographic composition, stating: “One leader is claiming that in a particular district, there are 70 percent Muslims against 30 percent Hindus. He also said that the latter would be cut and thrown in the Bhagirathi River. Surprisingly, the Chief Minister did not say anything to him. A day will come when I will busy you in your own soil.”
The remarks, which referenced Kabir’s controversial comments, were made just before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and had already drawn the attention of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The ECI had censured Kabir for his comments and issued him a show-cause notice, accusing him of making inflammatory statements. Kabir later clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and deliberately taken out of context.
In response to the FIR, Kolkata Police sources indicated that an investigation will follow, although the specifics of any legal action against Chakraborty remain unclear at this stage.
Chakraborty, a celebrated Bollywood actor and former Trinamool Congress (TMC) member, has become a prominent figure in BJP politics, often engaging in politically charged statements. His latest remarks have added fuel to an already heated political atmosphere in West Bengal, where tensions between the BJP and the ruling TMC have been rising.
The FIR against Chakraborty underscores the delicate balance of political discourse in a state that has witnessed increasing polarization ahead of the national elections. With the police now investigating his statements, the case could further intensify the ongoing political drama in West Bengal.
