In a surprising turn of events, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has declared a boycott against three major TV channels, accusing them of perpetuating anti-Bengal propaganda. This decision comes amidst rising tensions following the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
New Delhi: The ruling TMC has announced they will no longer allow their spokespersons to participate in debates on ABP Ananda, Republic, and TV9. The party claims these channels are consistently pushing an anti-Bengal agenda.
“TMC has chosen, for now, to refrain from sending its representatives to media channels like ABP Ananda, Republic, and TV9 due to their persistent anti-Bengal agenda-driven propaganda. We understand their compulsion to appease the powers in Delhi, given the investigations and ongoing enforcement cases their promoters and companies are facing,” stated the party in its official release.
The TMC also urged the people of West Bengal not to be influenced by individuals on these platforms claiming to be party supporters or sympathizers during discussions. “They are not authorized by the party and do not represent our official stance,” the party clarified in a statement posted on X.
“The people of Bengal have consistently rejected this unholy anti-Bengal nexus and have always chosen truth over propaganda,” asserted the statement, reflecting the party’s unwavering confidence in the public’s support.
Heated Exchanges in TV Debates
Recent days have witnessed heated confrontations on Bengali TV channels, highlighting the intense political rivalry. In one notable exchange, senior TMC leader and MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar clashed with BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul during a debate on ABP Ananda. Dr. Dastidar, the TMC’s deputy leader in Lok Sabha, referred to Paul, an esteemed fashion designer, as a “saree maker.” Paul shot back, expressing pride in her profession and condemning the TMC for its failure to protect women.
“I strongly condemn Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who, despite being a woman and a doctor, shamelessly supports this incompetent TMC government that failed to protect another woman doctor, our own Abhaya, in her workplace,” said Paul, taking a firm stand against the TMC.
Another comment by Dr. Dastidar during the same debate sparked further controversy. She claimed that medical students were “made to sit on laps” for pass marks during the CPM era in Bengal. This remark drew significant backlash from women doctors, leading Dr. Dastidar to issue an apology.
“I am sorry for any statement made in ABP Ananda talk show and apologize if my recent words have hurt anyone’s sentiments. I retract my statement. My intention has been and will always be to champion the cause of well-being and rights of women,” she said in a post on X.
Turbulent Times in Bengal Politics
TV debates between TMC and BJP leaders have turned into shouting matches as the TMC tries to defend the Mamata Banerjee government against allegations of a cover-up in the doctor’s rape-murder case. The BJP alleges that the ruling party is shielding criminals, while the TMC accuses the opposition BJP and CPM of attempting to create unrest in the state.
The situation illustrates the volatile nature of Bengal politics, where every incident quickly escalates into a political battleground. The tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has become the latest flashpoint, with both parties leveraging it to target each other.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The TMC’s decision to boycott certain TV channels is unprecedented and highlights the growing influence of media narratives in Indian politics. The public reaction to this will be crucial. Will Bengal’s citizens side with the TMC’s claims of biased media, or will they view the boycotts as a retreat from accountability?
Moreover, the TMC’s staunch stance reflects its broader strategy in dealing with media criticisms and opposition attacks. By questioning the credibility of widely-watched channels, the TMC aims to consolidate its base and potentially sway undecided voters.
As these events unfold, it becomes evident that the battle for Bengal is not just fought on the streets or in the legislative assembly but increasingly in the media’s lens. The outcomes of such strategic moves will have significant implications for the state’s political landscape in the coming months.
