Political Storm in Bengal After TMC MLA Madan Mitra’s Remark on Lord Ram; BJP Slams Mamata Banerjee’s Silence

A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following a statement attributed to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Madan Mitra, in which he allegedly claimed that Lord Ram was a Muslim. A video clip of the remark, which surfaced on Thursday, has gone viral and triggered sharp reactions across the political spectrum, intensifying tensions ahead of the upcoming state elections.

The video shows the Kamarhati विधायक addressing a public gathering, where he is purportedly heard making remarks about Lord Ram that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has termed as a direct insult to Hindu beliefs and traditions. The BJP has strongly condemned the statement and questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s silence, accusing her of tacitly endorsing such views.

BJP Attacks TMC, Questions CM’s Silence

Reacting sharply, BJP leaders accused the ruling party of repeatedly targeting Hindu sentiments for political gain. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, who shared a 35-second clip of the video on social media platform X, alleged that such statements are not accidental but enjoy political protection.

“When the Chief Minister chooses to remain silent, it becomes clear that such insults have her approval,” Bhandari said, adding that the TMC has made a habit of mocking Hindu faith and Bengali cultural traditions to appease its vote bank.

The BJP further stated that the controversy has exposed what it called the “anti-Hindu mindset” of the ruling party and demanded strict action against the MLA.

Madan Mitra’s Clarification

Amid the growing uproar, Madan Mitra issued a clarification, denying allegations that he deliberately insulted Hinduism. He claimed that the viral clip was an edited version of a speech delivered in 2024 and accused the BJP of selectively circulating the video to provoke communal tension ahead of elections.

“This is an old and edited video. My intention was never to attack any religion. I was highlighting the BJP’s superficial understanding of Hinduism,” Mitra said, adding that if the full video were released, his remarks would be properly understood.

TMC Distances Itself

In an apparent damage-control move, the TMC sought to distance itself from Mitra’s remarks. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said the party does not endorse individual statements and avoided defending the controversial comment.

“We have read the Ramayana. We know Ayodhya, Lanka, and Sitamarhi. We are not in a position to comment on Madan Mitra’s statements,” Ghosh said, signaling the party’s discomfort with the controversy.

Political and Religious Fault Lines Deepen

The issue has further sharpened political and religious fault lines in the state. The BJP’s Bengal unit, in a post on X, said the repeated “insult” to Indian culture and history was not accidental but part of a pattern, and challenged the TMC to take concrete action against the MLA.

Meanwhile, sources close to Madan Mitra claimed his remarks were being misrepresented, asserting that he had said Lord Ram is “above religion” and that the statement was deliberately twisted to create outrage.

As the political temperature rises in West Bengal, the controversy is expected to dominate public discourse, with the opposition pressing the Mamata Banerjee government for accountability and clarity on its stand over faith, culture, and freedom of expression.