In a recent video shared by West Bengal’s Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader named Pijush Panda was seen launching personal attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the video, Panda used casteist slurs against PM Modi, questioning his ability to inaugurate the Ram Mandir due to his background as a member of the Teli caste.
Though I don't give two hoots about a lower level TMC leader – Pijush Panda, but when the foul mouthed creep is the President of the regional TMC Party's Contai Organizational District, his words have to be considered as his Party's Official stance.
He has not only tried to… pic.twitter.com/4pO8LrBTDH
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) March 31, 2024
Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari condemned Panda’s remarks, calling them unacceptable and disrespectful towards PM Modi. Adhikari shared the video with English subtitles, highlighting Panda’s derogatory comments about PM Modi’s humble upbringing and even challenging to quit politics if evidence was provided that PM Modi had sold tea during his childhood.
Though I don't give two hoots about a lower level TMC leader – Pijush Panda, but when the foul mouthed creep is the President of the regional TMC Party's Contai Organizational District, his words have to be considered as his Party's Official stance.
He has not only tried to… pic.twitter.com/4pO8LrBTDH
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) March 31, 2024
Panda’s tirade continued with accusations of PM Modi being a fraud and a madman, even questioning the authenticity of his certificates. He further targeted PM Modi for inaugurating the Ram Mandir, suggesting that only Brahmins should perform such ceremonies and implying that individuals from OBC communities, like PM Modi, should engage in menial tasks such as shoe polishing.
Despite PM Modi’s role as the Mukhya Yagman in the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir, Panda propagated false narratives about its completion and criticized PM Modi’s involvement based on his caste. Adhikari expressed outrage at Panda’s disrespect towards PM Modi and the OBC community, emphasizing that such remarks cannot be ignored, especially coming from a TMC functionary.
Adhikari also criticized TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee for allegedly manipulating reservation criteria for political gain, further fueling caste-based rhetoric within the party. He called for action from the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) and the Election Commission to address Panda’s offensive remarks and uphold respect for all communities.
Political analyst Kanchan Gupta highlighted the disgust expressed by Panda towards PM Modi’s caste background, reflecting the divisive rhetoric permeating certain political circles. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of casteism and intolerance in Indian politics, drawing attention to the need for greater accountability and respect for all individuals irrespective of their caste or background.
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