The controversy surrounding BJP’s state president, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, continues to escalate. This follows his widely criticized remark referring to West Bengal’s legal system as “turning into Sonagachi’s sex work industry” during his confrontation with Kolkata Police on Friday in Bhabanipur. The context: he was on his way to visit BJP supporter and NRI doctor Rajatshubhra Bandyopadhyay’s residence when police detained him. A heated exchange ensued between Sukanta and the officers.
Video shared on TMC’s official Facebook page shows Sukanta stating: “You have turned the law into the sex-work industry of Sonagachi.” Party sources note that TMC itself has not independently verified the video’s authenticity
After the post went public, TMC labelled the remarks “derogatory” and “deeply insulting to sex workers,” demanding an immediate apology. TMC’s State Minister Shashi Panja strongly condemned the statement on Saturday, stating: “It is abhorrent and insulting. Who gave him the right to demean the women of Bengal like this?” Meanwhile, TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghosh described Sukanta’s language as “deplorable” and characteristic of the BJP’s “obscene rhetoric.”
The party has resolved to mobilize its legal cell against Sukanta.
In response, BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya defended Sukanta, saying he was referring to “local brokers,” not women, and accused the TMC of a misogynistic mindset. BJP later clarified that Majumdar had not “made any remarks about mothers and sisters.” On the other hand, TMC leader Arup Chakraborty questioned whether Prime Minister Modi would allow such comments and demanded immediate action—suggesting that any lack of response would reflect BJP’s “true culture.”
Background: Maheshtala Clashes & Subsequent Visit
On June 10, communal violence erupted in Maheshtala following a dispute over setting up a fruit stall near a Shiva temple. This led to stone-pelting, vehicle arson, injuries to police, and over 40 arrests. Riot control measures—including Section 163 BNSS, were implemented to manage the unrest.
The violence drew sharp criticism from the BJP, with Majumdar condemning the state government’s “Muslim appeasement” policy. He posted multiple videos from the site, alleging deliberate targeting of Hindu communities and even temple damage. Trinamool leaders countered, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the clash to instigate communal tensions.
Majumdar attempted to visit Maheshtala on June 12, but was detained en route due to prohibitory orders. He then redirected to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence, intending to hand over a Tulsi plant as a symbolic gesture of solidarity, before being taken into custody by Kolkata Police and brought to Lalbazar
The detention came shortly before he hit a Sikh CISF officer’s turban with a symbolic “slipper” placard during the protest, triggering backlash and an FIR filed under sections protecting religious sentiments
Political Fallout and Next Steps
TMC has escalated its criticism, with senior leaders demanding Majumdar’s apology and threatening legal action.
BJP remains resolute, Majumdar’s spokesperson clarified that his comments targeted third parties and the state police’s mindset, not women.
A Sikh body lodged an FIR; a sexual workers’ advocacy group may step forward against the “Sonagachi” remark.
Bengal BJP has asked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to intervene, claiming Majumdar’s convoy was attacked in Budge Budge, accusations the TMC dismisses as hypocrisy.
