A day after TMC minister Firhad Hakim’s remarks on BJP chief and alleged sexual assault harassment sufferer from Sandeshkhali, Rekha Patra, sparked an argument, the state BJP on Friday filed a criticism with the the CEO, West Bengal, towards Hakim.
Within the wake of the controversy, Patra criticised Hakim’s language, calling it “deeply offensive” and an assault on girls in West Bengal. She additionally filed a criticism towards Hakim on the Sandeshkhali police station on Thursday.
A letter to the ECI signed by BJP chief Shishir Bajoria mentioned, “That is to report our sturdy protest towards the remarks made by Firhad Hakim concentrating on our candidate Rekha Patra for 18 Parliamentary constituency Basirhat within the 2024 basic elections for the Lok Sabha. In the midst of campaigning in 121 AC Haroa bypoll… As you understand in native language using the phrase… is in a derogatory, demeaning and abusive context. Accordingly, we request the ECI to right away censure Firhad Hakim, who has up to now many instances violated the Mannequin Code.”
Hakim, a state cupboard minister and senior TMC chief, made the alleged remarks whereas campaigning for TMC candidate, Rabiul Islam, in Haroa for the Meeting bypolls, on Wednesday. Whereas he expressed remorse relating to the criticism towards him, he claimed that the alleged remark was not directed at any girl and he was referring to BJP’s shedding candidate.
Denying the allegations, Hakim on Friday mentioned, “I see girls as moms. Phrases… have been used for ballot candidates of BJP who’ve misplaced. I didn’t say this about any girl. Somewhat, I addressed Rekha Patra as a woman.”
“If my phrases damage her (Rekha), I’m very sorry. I’d by no means dream of disrespecting a girl. My chief is a girl (CM), my mom, spouse, daughters and granddaughters are all girls and I respect all girls,” he added. Bypolls in Basirhat’s Haroa constituency will likely be held on November 13.
Through the Wednesday election marketing campaign Firhad Hakim mentioned, “Earlier than Lok Sabha election a bearded man got here to West Bengal. Do you keep in mind his title?… Narendra Modi. He got here to Bengal and shed tears for Sandeshkhali. The BJP additionally introduced a candidate from Sandeshkhali. The place is that candidate? She misplaced… BJP loses elections. It solely is aware of how you can file instances,” Hakim had mentioned, in an obvious reference to the BJP’s candidate from Basirhat, Rekha Patra.
Sandeshkhali falls underneath Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency. Patra, 31 — one of many alleged victims of sexual harassment by TMC strongmen in Sandeshkhali – was fielded by the BJP within the Lok Sabha elections. Hakim’s comment triggered an uproar.
The Nationwide Fee for Ladies (NCW) has additionally taken suo motu cognizance and sought an in depth report from chief secretary. The BJP has filed an criticism towards Firhad Hakim via e mail within the Bidhannagar Commissionerate as nicely.
