TMC Boycotts TV Debates, Cites ‘Anti-Bengal’ Propaganda Amid Kolkata Doctor’s Murder Outrage

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 2nd Sept. Facing intense criticism over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced that it will no longer send its spokespersons to participate in debates on certain TV channels. The decision targets three specific channels—ABP Ananda, Republic, and TV9—accusing them of propagating an “anti-Bengal” agenda.

In a statement posted on X, the TMC declared, “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. 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 further emphasized, “The people of Bengal have consistently rejected this unholy BANGLA BIRODHI NEXUS and have always chosen TRUTH over PROPAGANDA.”

The move comes on the heels of a heated exchange between senior Trinamool leader and MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul during a recent TV debate on ABP Ananda. In the debate, Dastidar, who serves as the Trinamool’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, referred to Paul, a well-known fashion designer, as a “saree maker,” to which Paul responded proudly, affirming her profession. During the same debate, Dastidar made a controversial remark suggesting that medical students were “made to sit on laps” for passing marks during the CPM era in Bengal, which sparked widespread criticism from women doctors. The backlash prompted Dastidar to issue an apology on X, stating, “I am sorry for any statement made in ABP anondo talk show and apologize if my recent words have hurt anyone’s sentiments. I retract my statement. My intention has been and will always be to champion the cause of well-being and rights of women.”

Televised debates on Bengali channels have increasingly turned into heated confrontations between TMC and BJP leaders as the Trinamool defends the Mamata Banerjee government against allegations of a cover-up in the rape-murder case that has captured national attention. The BJP has accused the ruling party of shielding criminals, while the Trinamool alleges that the Opposition, including the BJP and CPM, is attempting to incite unrest in the state.