FIR against Abhishek for ‘inflammatory’ poll campaign remarks

Kolkata: An FIR was lodged against TMC national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee for allegedly making inflammatory remarks in the run up to the 2026 assembly elections. Police said they have launched an investigation into whether the statements had the potential to disturb public order and communal harmony.The case was registered on May 15 at the Bidhannagar North Cyber Crime Police Station following a complaint filed by social activist Rajib Sarkar. According to police, the complaint was submitted on May 5 at Baguiati Police Station, a day after the election results were declared, and was processed before the FIR was formally lodged.A senior police officer said the complaint alleged that Banerjee made provocative comments regarding post-poll violence and the vote-counting process during multiple election rallies held between March and May. Some remarks were also allegedly linked to Union home minister Amit Shah.State panchayat minister Dilip Ghosh said: "People did not complain at that time because of fear. However, they are now ready to complain, and the police are ready to act on it, so justice will be served."TMC MP Saugata Roy termed the FIR an attempted political vendetta. "During election time, statements are made by people in public speeches. I have seen the so-called statement and did not find it offensive," he said.