PM Narendra Modi (Photo: PTI)
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has sent a notice to the West Bengal police chief, seeking action against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Pijush Panda for his “offensive and casteist” comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has found that TMC leader Pijush Panda has used offensive and casteist remarks against Prime Minister Modi. Hansraj Gangaram Aahir, chairman of the committee, takes the matter seriously and takes cognizance of the matter and orders an inquiry into The committee wants to receive a report on the action taken against him within 24 hours,” the letter said.
According to a report in the Indian ExpressIn a video, Panda was seen reportedly saying, “Narendra Modi has committed blasphemy by inaugurating the incomplete Ram Mandir. This is said by the Shankaracharyas, not by me. Modi is so arrogant. He is from the Teli community and inaugurates the temple while the Brahmins are not invited.”
The TMC leader is reported to have said, “He looks good. He has modeled his beard after Rabindranath Tagore. We sometimes get confused whether the man is a Bengali. He has disguised himself as kabiguru. He speaks so many lies, even thieves don’t lie that often. At which (railway) station did he sell tea? Does anyone know the name of the station? If anyone comes to show me or tell me at which station the Prime Minister sold tea, I will quit politics. The arrogant Narendra Modi is the son of a Teli…’
Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, welcomed the committee’s notice. He wrote on . ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji and his verbal attack on the OBC Samaj. Based on the complaint filed by me, a notice has been sent by the Deputy Secretary of National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) to DG @WBPolice regarding the action taken against TMC leader Pijush Panda. The report must be submitted within three days in accordance with Article 338 (8) of the Constitution of India.”
On April 1, the BJP approached the Election Commission against Panda over his comments.
First print: April 3, 2024 | 4:49 pm IST