Our govts shot anti-CAA protesters like dogs: West Bengal BJP chief

West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh has triggered a fresh controversy with his remark that those damaging public property during anti-citizenship law protests were being “shot like dogs” in states ruled by the BJP. However, BJP MP Babul Supriyo distanced the party from Ghosh’s comment and called the state chief “irresponsible”.

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Nadia district, Ghosh on Sunday came down heavily on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee “for not opening fire and ordering lathicharge” on those destroying railway property and public transport during the anti-CAA protests in the state in December last year.

“Is it the father’s property of those who are setting public property on fire? How can they destroy government property built on taxpayers’ money! The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka did the right thing by opening fire on these anti-national elements (during anti-CAA protests),” said Ghosh.

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The BJP leader said those involved in arson and damaging public property will be shot “like the same way in Uttar Pradesh”. “They will come here, enjoy all the facilities and destroy country’s property. Is it their zamindari!” he asked. Ghosh also called for identifying those “sabotaging the interests” of Hindu Bengalis.

The remark drew criticism from Union minister Babul Supriyo, who on Monday (January 13) said in tweet, “Very irresponsible of Dilip da to have said what he said.” He also clarified that the BJP has nothing to do with Ghosh’s comments.

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Dismissing the comment as a “figment of imagination”, Supriyo added that BJP has never resorted to shooting people. “It is a figment of his imagination and BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh, Assam have never ever resorted to shooting people for whatever reason whatsoever,” added the BJP MP.

Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao too accused the BJP leader of using the “language of a bully” to suppress people. “Mr @DilipGhoshBJP if that is the case why didn’t Delhi Police not shoot like dogs the ABVP/BJP goons who were running amuck in #JNU. The language you use is the language of a bully, out to subjugate people with the might of the govt machinery (sic),” he said in a tweet.

(With inputs from agencies)