Thaindian News

Kolkata, April 23 (IANS) The Trinamool Congress Saturday moved the Election Commission demanding the arrest of Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader and former MP Anil Basu for allegedly using “abusive and obscene” language against their party chief Mamata Banerjee. The poll panel said it was studying the complaint.

Trinamool heavyweight and Leader of Opposition in the assembly Partha Chatterjee said: “The man who has made such unspeakable words to address our beloved leader should be immediately arrested. We request the EC to take the necessary steps for the abusive and obscene language.”

Election officials said the complaint would be forwarded to the Election Commission in New Delhi.

“We have received a complaint in this regard from the Trinamool Congress. They also have submitted a CD containing the recorded version of Basu’ speech. We will forward the complaint and the CD before the EC and whatever action the EC will suggest, we will implement that,” said state chief electoral officer Sunil Gupta.

“We have also asked the Hooghly district magistrate to enquire into it and submit a detail report. The DM’s report will also be forwarded before the EC,” he said.

While addressing an election rally at Arambagh in Hooghly district Friday, Basu had made some disparaging comments against Banerjee. Local television channels picked up the bytes and have been continuously airing the clip. Some of the channels even censored the said comments describing the words as “unsuitable for broadcasting”.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee openly censured Basu. “I have heard whatever he has said. It is neither courteous not decent. This is not the language of a Communist party leader.”

“I have told my party leadership to censure him. What can I say to him? Whatever he has done is unforgivable,” he said in a statement.

Left Front chairman and CPI-M state secretary Biman Bose also disapproved of Basu’s comments.

“The party (CPI-M) or the Left Front does not subscribe to his comments. Whatever he has said are his personal comments and have nothing to do with the party. He has to come before the public and give an explanation.”

Meanwhile Banerjee, while campaigning in Dumdum Saturday, in an obvious reference to the issue, said: “The CPI-M excels in obscenity and use of abusive words.”

However, despite drawing flak from all corners, Basu appeared stubborn. “Mamata Banerjee has made many such comments. What does she have to say about those?”

Told that Bhattacharjee has censured him openly, Basu still appeared unmoved. “We will be meeting. Then I will talk to him.”