West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim sparks controversy; calls BJP leader Rakha Patra “maal”
West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim sparked a controversy when he called BJP leader Rekha Patra “maal” while discussing her Lok Sabha election defeat to Trinamool Congress in Basirhat. Hakim’s comment faced strong criticism from the BJP, with Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari labeling it as “outrageous” and seeking measures against the minister.
While speaking at an event, Hakim criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for turning the Sandeshkhali issue into a political matter.
“Before Lok Sabha elections, a man in beard came to Bengal. Do you remember his name? His name is Narendra Modi. He came to Bengal and expressed fake concern for the mothers and sisters of Sandeshkhali. The BJP also announced a candidate from Sandeshkhali. Where is that candidate? She (Rekha Patra) lost… hero maal. BJP loses elections. It only knows how to file cases,” Hakim said.
Earlier this year, Sandeshkhali drew national attention when a group of women staged intense protests against suspended TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan, a local Zila Parishad member, and his associates for land-grabbing and sexual abuse.
Rekha Patra had led the Sandeshkhali protests
Rekha Patra led the protests and was the initial woman to submit a complaint regarding sexual assault. The BJP leveraged the Sandeshkhali protest to put pressure on the government led by Mamata Banerjee before the Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP awarded a ticket to Patra from Basirhat, which includes Sandeshkhali. Nonetheless, Patra was defeated in the election by Trinamool veteran and ex-MP Haji Nurul Islam.
Hitting out at Hakim, Suvendu Adhikari sought legal action against the minister for the derogatory remark.
