BJP candidate faces threat speech plaint

Kolkata: Police have registered a criminal case against Bidhannagar constituency's BJP candidate Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay, following allegations of making provocative statements and issuing threats during an election rally.The complaint, which was originally submitted to the Bengal chief electoral officer, accused the candidate of violating the Model Code of Conduct and instigating the electorate during a public gathering held in Bidhannagar on April 10. While Mukhopadhyay denied having made any such comment that could hurt sentiments, local BJP leaders claimed things were being politically motivated. When contacted by TOI, his personal assistant stated Mukhopadhyay would "answer only face to face".According to the FIR, Mukhopadhyay allegedly made explicit statements promising retribution against local residents and political opponents. The Trinamool Congress provided a social media link to a video recording of the speech, in which the candidate reportedly stated that each drop of tear would be accounted for and identified May 4 — the scheduled date for the declaration of election results — as a day of revenge for the events of 2021.The ruling party alleged that such statements constitute a clear threat to the peaceful electoral process and are designed to incite post-poll violence. The complaint further stated that such conduct interferes with the free exercise of the electoral rights of citizens by creating an atmosphere of duress and intimidation.