TMC to boycott 3 TV channels for ‘anti-Bengal propaganda’ amid Kolkata rape row

TMC in a statement announced that it will boycott three TV news channels for driving an “anti-Bengal propaganda”.

Published on: Sep 2, 2024, 15:46:30 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Amid the outrage over the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress has decided to boycott three TV news channels for running an “anti-Bengal agenda-driven propaganda” against the state government. TMC said in its statement that the party will not send any spokespersons to news debates on these TV channels.

Chief minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee. (Samir Jana/HT file)

“AITC has, for now decided not to send its spokespersons to media channels like ABP Ananda, Republic, and TV9 due to their persistent ANTI-BENGAL agenda-driven PROPAGANDA. We understand their compulsion to appease the ZAMINDARS of Delhi, given the investigations and ongoing enforcement cases their promoters and companies are facing,” the statement by TMC reads.

“We also clarify and request the people of West Bengal not to be misled by individuals portrayed as party supporters or sympathizers on these platforms during discussions or debates, as they are not authorized by the party and do not represent our official stance,” the party added.

"The people of Bengal have consistently rejected this unholy BANGLA BIRODHI NEXUS and have always chosen TRUTH over PROPAGANDA," it said.

Read more: Sanjay Roy claimed he 'found Kolkata doctor covered in blood', to plead 'not guilty': Report

TMC's decision to boycott TV debate on certain channels came after heated exchange of words between BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul and TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar during a debate. Dastidar called Paul, a fashion designer, a ‘saree-maker’ during the debate. The TMC leader also said that medical students were “made to sit on laps” to pass during the CPM era in Bengal, a remark which sparked an outrage.

Dastidar later issued an apology for her statement on X, saying, “I am sorry for any statement made in ABP anondo talk show and apologise if my recent words have hurt anyone's sentiments. I retract my statement. My intention has been and will always be to champion cause of well-being and rights of women.”

This comes as the West Bengal government is facing a massive backlash over the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor in the RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata last month. Doctors and students have been protesting against the government, while BJP is demanding CM Mamata Banerjee's resignation over the incident.

On August 9, a 31-year-old postgraduate doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of the medical college, with the autopsy report showing multiple serious injuries and sexual assault.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.