Trinamool Congress says “fake” news after BJP alleges OC was in Mohua Moitra’s poll campaign

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal has demanded removal of the officer-in-charge of Thanapara police station in Nadia district, Sumit Kumar Ghosh, alleging that he was seen participating in political campaigns with Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. Moitra is the elected representative from Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat.

The Trinamool Congress however, has firmly opposed this, saying the BJP was spreading “fake news”. Trinamool Congress has said that the photograph being circulated is not from the election campaign. They said that the photograph is from August that was posted by Moitra on her Facebook page. Moitra has said that the photograph was taken during a visit in the area and was not part of a campaign as alleged by BJP. She has lodged a complaint with the police stating fake news is being circulated and the party has also taken up the matter with the Election Commission.

The BJP state secretary Tushar Kanti Ghosh has yesterday written to the Election Commission stating that the police officer was seen with Moitra during the campaigns for the coming Karimpur by-election. A photograph “substantiating” the claim was also reportedly submitted. The BJP has demanded removal of the officer-in-charge, alleging violation of model code of conduct. The party also claimed that the Nadia district magistrate had been asked a report after investigating the matter.

But with the Trinamool Congress’ sharp reaction, it is now to be seen what decision the EC and the police take on this.