TMC To Boycott 3 TV Channels, Accuse Them Of Running 'Unholy Bangla Birodhi Nexus'

Amid growing criticism over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has decided to stop sending its spokespersons to certain television channel debates.

The party has accused three specific channels-ABP Ananda, Republic, and TV9-of engaging in what it describes as "anti-Bengal" propaganda.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the TMC announced its decision, stating, "AITC has, for now, decided not to send its spokespersons 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 ZAMINDARS of Delhi, given the investigations and ongoing enforcement cases their promoters and companies are facing."

The TMC also issued a warning to the public regarding individuals claiming to represent the party on these platforms.

"We also clarify and request the people of West Bengal not to be misled by individuals portrayed as party supporters or sympathisers on these platforms during discussions or debates, as they are not authorized by the party and do not represent our official stance."

The statement concluded with a strong assertion that the people of Bengal would continue to reject what the party termed as an "unholy BANGLA BIRODHI NEXUS," adding that the public would "always choose TRUTH over PROPAGANDA."

This move comes in the wake of a heated exchange between senior TMC leader and MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul during a televised debate on ABP Ananda.

During the debate, Ghosh Dastidar, who serves as the Trinamool's deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, referred to Paul, a well-known fashion designer, as a "saree maker."

Paul fired back, proudly defending her profession, saying she is "immensely proud" of her work as a fashion designer.

BJP legislator also used the platform to accuse the Mamata Banerjee government of harboring criminals and ignoring the safety and well-being of women in the state.

Another controversial remark from Ghosh Dastidar during the same debate further fueled the backlash. She claimed that during the CPM era in Bengal, medical students were "made to sit on laps" to receive passing marks.

This statement sparked outrage, particularly among women doctors, prompting Ghosh Dastidar to issue an apology.

She took to X to express her regret, saying, "I am sorry for any statement made in ABP Anondo 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."

The tensions in TV debates have escalated as TMC and BJP leaders engage in increasingly aggressive exchanges. The TMC has been on the defensive, trying to shield the Mamata Banerjee government from allegations of a cover-up in the high-profile rape-murder case, which has drawn national attention.

Meanwhile, the BJP has accused the ruling party of protecting criminals and failing to address the serious concerns of women's safety in the state. On the other hand, the TMC has alleged that the opposition BJP and CPM are attempting to destabilize the state by creating unrest.