FIR Against TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Sparks 'Selective Target' Row
May 17, 2026 06:26 PM IST

FIR Against TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Sparks 'Selective Target' Row

Desk Correspondent , Kolkata — An FIR has been registered against Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee at the Bidhannagar North Cyber Crime Police Station for allegedly delivering inflammatory and provocative speeches during the recent West Bengal election campaigns. Filed on May 15 by complainant Rajib Sarkar, the FIR cites political rallies held across Maheshtala, Arambagh, Haringhata, and Nandigram in March and April. Banerjee is accused of inciting violence, promoting enmity, and threatening opposition workers through speeches broadcasted on his official Facebook handle and various news platforms, specifically regarding the playing of DJs and remarks aimed at Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

 

The legal action has triggered a sharp political backlash from the ruling TMC, with party leader Tanmoy Ghosh condemning the move as a case of political vendetta. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Ghosh cried foul play, labeling the action as "selective" and unacceptable. He questioned why opposition leaders were being exclusively targeted following the TMC's election loss, arguing that many BJP leaders had also made provocative statements during the polls without facing similar consequences, and emphasized that political conduct should maintain its dignity uniformly across all parties.

 

The case against the TMC General Secretary has been officially registered under multiple stringent legal provisions. These include Sections 192, 196, 351(2), and 353(1)(C) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with provoking riots, promoting enmity between different groups, and criminal intimidation. Additionally, charges have been framed under Sections 123(2) and 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, focusing on electoral corruption and promoting hatred between classes in connection with an election.

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