BJP MP Giriraj Singh sparked controversy as he criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her participation in the Kolkata International Film Festival, where she was seen dancing with Bollywood actor Salman Khan. In a video circulating on social media, Singh remarked that Mamata Banerjee's 'jashn' (celebration) at the film festival was inappropriate. As Trinamool leaders, including Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra, strongly objected to his comments, Singh defended himself, claiming he used the word 'jashn' and not 'thumka' (a dance move). He argued that he was not wrong in criticizing Mamata Banerjee for celebrating the film festival amidst corruption issues in the state, according to media reports.
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The Trinamool Congress, via its official handle, shared the video where Singh used the term 'thumka' and made gestures. The party accused him of engaging in shameful conduct and employing the BJP's strategy of defending controversial remarks despite clear evidence. The party linked Singh's comments to a broader pattern of degrading remarks by BJP leaders against Mamata Banerjee, citing PM Narendra Modi's previous remarks.
Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra expressed shock at Giriraj Singh's words, labeling them as an attack on the only woman chief minister in India. Moitra argued that Bengal celebrates because it doesn't have to tolerate the misogyny and patriarchy practiced by Singh and the BJP daily. She criticized Singh's audacity in dictating what is appropriate to Mamata Banerjee, emphasizing that it is not appropriate to withhold MNREGA dues from the people of Bengal. Moitra praised Mamata Banerjee as the embodiment of Maa Kali, highlighting her repeated electoral victories in Bengal.
