Kolkata, July 31: Naushad Siddiqui, a legislator from the Indian Secular Front (ISF), expressed his candid views on several significant issues, including the opening of West Bengal‘s first NIA police station, controversies linked to the Trinamool Congress, the Baruipur encounter case, and the interim protection granted to Abhishek Banerjee. He emphasized that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should not be used for political purposes and that educational reforms require strengthening infrastructure rather than mere announcements.
Siddiqui remarked on the inauguration of the state’s first NIA police station in New Town, stating that the total number of NIA stations across the country has now risen to 17. He noted that the NIA is one of the country’s most critical investigative agencies, and there is no need to fear the establishment of new stations. However, he cautioned that the NIA must not be utilized for any political agenda, as such actions would undermine its credibility. Past allegations of misuse of agencies like the CBI and ED have already raised questions about their integrity and success rates. The NIA must operate impartially and professionally to maintain its trustworthiness.
In response to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s letter to the Election Commission demanding a swift investigation into the genuine Trinamool-related cases, Siddiqui highlighted that the issue has sparked considerable discussion. He pointed out that leaders who once won elections by leveraging Banerjee’s image are now making statements against her. While he has criticized Banerjee’s policies in the past and will continue to do so, he believes that the people of Bengal and the nation are aware of who is genuinely connected to the TMC. Many of those leaving the party are attempting to evade allegations of corruption and scams.
Regarding the Baruipur encounter case, Siddiqui welcomed the Calcutta High Court‘s questioning of the police’s role and its demand for affidavits and reports. He stated that if the court has raised questions about the incident’s reconstruction and police actions, an investigation is warranted. His party respects law and order but will oppose any attempts to turn West Bengal into a police state. The police force deserves respect, and there is a need to improve their working conditions.
Siddiqui pointed out that there are numerous vacant police positions in the state that should be filled promptly. He also questioned the practice of making police personnel work 14 to 16 hours a day. He called for better residential facilities for female police officers in barracks and police stations. Additionally, he claimed that according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, West Bengal police face a 71% shortage of modern weapons. Without addressing these fundamental issues, strengthening the police system is not feasible. The matter is now in court, and everyone must adhere to the court’s directives.
On the interim protection granted to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in three cases, Siddiqui remarked that political accusations are a constant in politics, whether involving Banerjee or Mamata Banerjee. After the elections, discussions about forged signatures and CID investigations arose, but those issues were later dropped. New political issues frequently emerge, overshadowing older cases. He also criticized the opposition’s claims regarding Banerjee’s arrest, noting that despite ongoing discussions about arrests, nothing has materialized so far.
Regarding proposed changes to the curriculum based on the New Education Policy (NEP), Siddiqui stated that his party has consistently opposed several provisions of the NEP. Simply announcing the implementation of the NEP will not lead to improvements in the education system. The government must first fulfill all necessary standards outlined in the policy. It is the government’s primary responsibility to ensure adequate teacher appointments, improve teacher-student ratios, develop school infrastructure, establish digital classrooms, and provide essential facilities for students. Without these preparations, effectively implementing the new education policy is not feasible.
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