KOLKATA: Mithun Chakraborty, an actor and member of the BJP National Executive, denied on Thursday the claims made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that Bengali-speaking migrant workers are facing harassment and torture in various states governed by the BJP.

After participating in a BJP organizational meeting in Kolkata, he stated, “These are all falsehoods. I established a hotel in Bengaluru where the majority of the workers were Bengali migrants. There were no Bangladeshis present. However, if someone is from Bangladesh, they will naturally be recognized as such.”

He was responding to Banerjee’s accusations regarding attacks on Bengali-speaking individuals from West Bengal in BJP-ruled states.

During the Trinamool Congress’ ‘Martyrs’ Day’ rally on July 21, Banerjee claimed that the Election Commission of India was acting under the influence of the BJP, in reference to the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) process in Bihar.

“The BJP and the Election Commission are plotting against West Bengal. They intend to replicate in West Bengal what they executed in Bihar through the EC’s SIR. If they attempt the same here, we will surround them. We will not permit it,” she warned.

In response to Banerjee’s threat to surround the ECI, Chakraborty remarked, “She has no alternative, but this will certainly occur. The Election Commission must take action. The names of fake and bogus voters need to be eliminated from the list for elections to be fair.” He added, “Even if the Commission is surrounded, what will be accomplished? What is the purpose of such protests?”

Meanwhile, backed by the order from the Patiala House Court on Thursday, the Trinamool Congress intensified its criticism of the BJP-led central government. The court ordered the Union Government to promptly restore water and electricity supplies in Delhi’s Jai Hind Colony.

Accusing the BJP of the ‘harassment and forced eviction of Bengali migrant workers’ in Jai Hind Colony, Banerjee pledged to bring this issue to light in every possible forum.

In a post on X dated July 10, Banerjee stated, “The BJP-led government allegedly ordered the cut of their water supply. Electricity meters were seized, and power was suddenly disconnected the day before yesterday. Residents also assert that the Delhi Police, supported by RAF personnel, obstructed private water tankers they had arranged and paid for.”

The Trinamool Congress welcomed the Patiala House Court’s ruling, stating that this decision reveals the unconstitutional and targeted harassment of Bengali migrant workers by the BJP-led Central Government.

In a post on X, the Trinamool Congress remarked, “The Patiala House Court has instructed the Centre to promptly restore water and electricity to the residents of Delhi’s Jai Hind Colony. This ruling highlights the unconstitutional and targeted harassment of Bengali migrant workers by the @BJP4India-led Central Government.”