Even in the face of criticism for the party's response to the strike called by the Left parties, a Trinamool Congress MLA courted fresh controversy by threatening to teach a lesson to those who organise a strike.
The comments made by Banmali Hazra, TMC MLA from Bhatar in West Bengal’s Bardhaman district aired by local television channels on Saturday triggered strong reaction from the political parties in the Opposition.
“These people (who call bandhs) should be taught such a lesson so that they don’t dare to call a bandh again,” Mr. Hazra said. “If required they should be beaten black and blue,” the lawmaker added addressing a gathering in his constituency on Friday.
When contacted by journalists during the day Mr. Hazra remained firm on what he said and emphasised that to “oppose strikes he will do whatever is required”.
While CPI(M) leader Mohd Selim said that such utterances are encouraged in the State’s ruling party BJP MLA Samik Bhattacharya said that the remarks made by the MLA are nothing unusual.
