New Delhi: Amid allegations surrounding incidents in Sandeshkhali, where claims of sexual abuse against TMC leaders have emerged, the party on Saturday released a video on social media, claiming that the episode was a conspiracy by the BJP to defame West Bengal ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
In a video purportedly released by TMC, showed the BJP mandal president from Sandeshkhali, who was heard saying that the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari is behind the whole conspiracy. The man alleged in the video that Adhikari had asked him and other BJP leaders of the area to instigate three-four local women to level allegations of rape against three TMC leaders, including Shajahan Sheikh. ABP News could not verify the authenticity of the video posted by the TMC.
Amid the unfolding controversy in Sandeshkhali, the local BJP leader also claimed in the video that Nandigram MLA Adhikari had personally orchestrated the planting of firearms at a residence in the area. These weapons were subsequently presented as evidence by central agencies, reported PTI.
In a post titled ‘Big expose on Sandeshkhali' on X, the ruling TMC said, "Adhikari created a “false narrative of mass rapes by paying money to local people to defame Bengal and Sandeshkhli".
The party also alleged that "viral video exposed how the BJP left no stone unturned to malign Bengal. "From 'mass rape' to 'arms seizure', every claim was bought and staged by none other than @SuvenduWB".
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has condemned the Sandeshkhali sting, denouncing it as evidence of the deep-seated corruption within the BJP. She accused the 'Bangla-Birodhis' (anti-Bengal) forces of orchestrating a conspiracy to smear the state's progressive ideals and cultural heritage.
CM Mamata Banerjee said the shocking Sandeshkhali sting shows how deep the rot is within the BJP. She vowed that Bengal would rise in defiance against what she labeled as a conspiratorial regime led by Modi and Shah, with the TMC asserting that the alleged involvement of central agencies and their allies has now been laid bare.
Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hit out the BJP claiming, "Today, the curtains have been pulled back, revealing BJP's sinister plot to smear Bengal's image with their fabricated tales on Sandeshkhali. In their pursuit of power, they've sold off the dignity of our mothers and sisters".
Truth Twisted, Misleading Version Circulated: BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari
Adhikari, on the other hand, claimed that the truth has been "twisted" as he posted on X, "The truth can be twisted and a misleading version can be circulated. However it's shelf life is very very short. Ultimately, Truth prevails. Next time, keep it in mind, Koyla Bhaipo".
Addressing election rallies in Bardhaman-Durgapur and Krishnanagar, Prime Minister Modi on Friday launched a scathing critique of the Trinamool Congress, accusing the ruling party of displaying apathy towards the victims in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, where disturbing allegations of sexual abuse involving TMC leaders have emerged.
Meanwhile, senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said, "I am shocked beyond words to see the Sandeshkhali sting video. Every citizen must witness the Bangla birodhi @BJP4India's attempt to defame and malign WB for their petty political ends.......This abhorrent act epitomises the grossest abuse of power in history". He described the alleged move by the BJP as a matter of shame.
Another TMC leader Shashi Panja told ANI, "From top to bottom BJP is full of lies & deceit and West Bengal had to pay the price of it...The people of Sandeshkhali were misguided and lied to".
In response to the allegations, BJP leader and party spokesman Shankudeb Panda said that the TMC was struggling to address the growing public outrage over the Sandeshkhali incident. He accused the TMC of demeaning women in Sandeshkhali and across Bengal, suggesting that the party's leadership resorted to disseminating a doctored video as a desperate attempt to counter the accusations.