A controversy has erupted in Odisha's Nayagarh district over the alleged removal of four Bengali Muslim traders. TMC MP Mahua Moitra leveled the allegations. Police termed it merely an identity verification. BJP also retaliated.
Mahua Moitra: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra has alleged that four Bengali-speaking Muslim traders were forcibly removed from Odisha's Nayagarh district. Mahua Moitra claims that all of them are Indian citizens and possess Aadhaar cards and Voter IDs. Through a video message, she warned officials that they would have to pay the price for their actions. Following this statement, political activity intensified, and the state police rejected these allegations, stating that it was not a case of removal but an identity verification matter.
Mahua Moitra's Allegations
In her social media post, Mahua Moitra alleged that the Odagaon police station in Nayagarh illegally instructed four Indian citizens to leave the district simply because they were Bengalis. She stated that their landlord was also pressured and threatened with arrest. Mahua Moitra added that while millions of Odias work in Bengal and are treated with love and respect, the Bengali community in Odisha is facing discrimination.
Odisha Police's Response
Odisha Police completely dismissed Mahua Moitra's allegations. S. Susree, Superintendent of Police, Nayagarh, stated that if some individuals have left the district, it was by their personal will. She clarified that the police neither pressured anyone to leave nor set any deadline for anyone. The SP added that the police are conducting regular verification for potential cases of Bangladeshi infiltrators, and this process will continue until the investigation is complete.
BJP's Retaliation
The BJP bly protested Mahua Moitra's claims. Party spokesperson Anil Biswal stated that Mahua Moitra is trying to disrupt harmonious relations in the state by making false claims. He alleged that the Trinamool Congress has always protected Bangladeshi infiltrators, posing a threat to the country's internal security. BJP leaders assert that the state government is rightly apprehending infiltrators, and it is inappropriate for an elected representative to oppose this.
Statements in the Assembly
Meanwhile, during Zero Hour in the Odisha Assembly, BJP MLAs also made b statements on this issue. Sanatan Bijuli demanded that Bangladeshi infiltrators be expelled from the state as they are involved in anti-social activities such as theft, robbery, and 'love jihad'. Santosh Khatua, commenting on Mahua Moitra's statement, said that her speaking in favor of infiltrators is wrong and an example of intolerance.
