Row over ‘derogatory’ remark: Bengal BJP files complaint against Hakim with EC, police

A missive to the ECI signed by BJP person Shishir Bajoria said, “This is to grounds our beardown protestation against the remarks made by Firhad Hakim targeting our campaigner Rekha Patra for 18 Parliamentary constituency Basirhat successful the 2024 wide elections for the Lok Sabha. In the people of campaigning successful 121 AC Haroa bypoll… As you cognize successful section connection the usage of the word… is successful a derogatory, demeaning and abusive context. Accordingly, we petition the ECI to instantly censure Firhad Hakim, who has successful the past galore times violated the Model Code.”

Hakim, a authorities furniture curate and elder TMC leader, made the alleged remarks portion campaigning for TMC candidate, Rabiul Islam, successful Haroa for the Assembly bypolls, connected Wednesday. While helium expressed regret regarding the ailment against him, helium claimed that the alleged remark was not directed astatine immoderate pistillate and helium was referring to BJP’s losing candidate.

Denying the allegations, Hakim connected Friday said, “I spot women arsenic mothers. Phrases… were utilized for canvass candidates of BJP who person lost. I did not accidental this astir immoderate woman. Rather, I addressed Rekha Patra arsenic a lady.”

“If my words wounded her (Rekha), I americium precise sorry. I would ne'er imagination of disrespecting a woman. My person is simply a pistillate (CM), my mother, wife, daughters and granddaughters are each women and I respect each women,” helium added. Bypolls successful Basirhat’s Haroa constituency volition beryllium held connected November 13.

During the Wednesday predetermination run Firhad Hakim said, “Before Lok Sabha predetermination a bearded antheral came to West Bengal. Do you retrieve his name?… Narendra Modi. He came to Bengal and shed tears for Sandeshkhali. The BJP besides announced a campaigner from Sandeshkhali. Where is that candidate? She lost… BJP loses elections. It lone knows however to record cases,” Hakim had said, successful an evident notation to the BJP’s campaigner from Basirhat, Rekha Patra.

Sandeshkhali falls nether Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency. Patra, 31 — 1 of the alleged victims of intersexual harassment by TMC strongmen successful Sandeshkhali – was fielded by the BJP successful the Lok Sabha elections. Hakim’s remark triggered an uproar.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has besides taken suo motu cognizance and sought a elaborate study from main secretary. The BJP has filed an ailment against Firhad Hakim done email successful the Bidhannagar Commissionerate arsenic well.