'Arrest Those Inciting Riots': BJP Backs Humayun Kabir Detention
West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya backs police action against Humayun Kabir, citing the need to prevent communal riots.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal has come out in strong support of the police decision to detain Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief and MLA Humayun Kabir. West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya stated on Tuesday that law enforcement has a fundamental duty to act against individuals who engage in divisive politics and attempt to incite public unrest.
Police Duty to Prevent Communal Tension
Speaking to members of the press, Bhattacharya emphasized that the detention was a necessary step to maintain social harmony. He argued that elements attempting to create a rift between the Hindu and Muslim communities must be held accountable.
"The police decided that elements openly engaging in divisive politics, seeking to drive a wedge between Hindus and Muslims and inciting people to riot, should be arrested, even on election day. That is the police's duty," Bhattacharya said.
The detention took place at Kabir's party office in Murshidabad. According to Beldanga SDPO Anandjit Hore, the Rejinagar Police took Kabir into custody due to violations of the law.
Demand for Earlier Action
The sentiment of accountability was echoed by Sakharav Sarkar, the BJP candidate contesting from the Rejinagar constituency. Sarkar suggested that the authorities should have taken action much sooner to prevent potential law and order issues.
"They should have been arrested much earlier; this has been delayed... Law and order is the police's responsibility," Sarkar remarked, noting that the police are tasked with ensuring stability during the ongoing by-elections.
By-election Context and Election Integrity
The political atmosphere in West Bengal is currently charged as by-elections are being held in the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies. The Nandigram seat became vacant after Suvendu Adhikari won from two seats and chose to retain one. Meanwhile, the Rejinagar seat was vacated following the resignation of Humayun Kabir, who had previously won from Nowda.
Despite the recent detention, Bhattacharya expressed high confidence in his party's performance, asserting that BJP candidates are poised to win both the Rejinagar and Nandigram contests.
Praise for the Election Commission
Bhattacharya also took the opportunity to laud the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, for overseeing what he described as a remarkably peaceful electoral process. He claimed that the state has witnessed a level of order unseen in seven decades.
- Violence-Free Polls: Bhattacharya noted there was no significant bloodshed before, during, or after the voting process.
- Freedom to Vote: He stated that citizens were able to cast their votes freely and without fear.
- Heroic Status: The BJP leader went as far as to call Gyanesh Kumar a "hero" in West Bengal for ensuring these conditions.
While legal proceedings regarding the detention continue in court, the BJP maintains that the police action was a vital component of maintaining the peace during this critical election period.