Kolkata, June 30: Political tensions are escalating in West Bengal regarding the proposed Anti-Gang Bill and amendments related to OBC reservations. In this context, suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Riju Dutta has expressed his support for both bills. He has also called for an audit of the properties owned by TMC councillors and leaders, demanding action against prominent figures involved in corruption.
In an interview with a news agency, Dutta stated that the Anti-Gang Bill is a necessity at this time. He emphasized that this law should have been enacted long ago. Over the years, the culture of gang violence and muscle power has surged in West Bengal, making it imperative to impose strict regulations. Many individuals operate under the guise of political parties, committing atrocities against the poor and women while challenging law and order. A stringent law must be established against such individuals.
Dutta also referenced MLA Humayun Kabir, whose language and public conduct have come under scrutiny. The Chief Minister has mentioned the possibility of legal action against him in the assembly. It is crucial to take strict measures against those who operate under political protection.
He appealed to the Chief Minister, stating that this law should not be misused for political vendettas. If any opposition leader raises their voice against the government, this law should not be weaponized against them. Aside from this concern, he fully supports the bill and desires severe punishment for those who have oppressed the poor and women for years.
Regarding the proposed amendments to OBC reservations, Dutta noted that this system was originally implemented during the Left Front government. At that time, 41 out of 42 OBC categories were created to benefit a specific community. If the current government is making improvements, it is a positive step. The OBC benefits should reach those who are genuinely eligible. If a large number of individuals are included in the OBC category solely for vote bank politics, what will be the impact on the future of youth from the general category? He supports the proposed changes, viewing them as beneficial.
During the discussion, Dutta also raised the demand for an investigation into the properties of TMC councillors and leaders. He urged Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to address this issue and conduct an audit of all TMC councillors’ assets. The investigation should reveal how much property they owned before becoming councillors and how much it has increased since taking office. He argued that councillors have a limited salary, yet many possess luxurious buildings and expensive vehicles, which warrants a fair investigation.
He alleged that some individuals who previously ran small businesses are now seen driving luxury cars. If they have a legitimate source of income, it will be revealed in the audit, but the public deserves full transparency. Dutta further stated that recent events have made it clear that merely meeting the Chief Minister or seeking his blessings does not grant immunity. However, he questioned whether, like previous governments, only low-level individuals would face action this time. The people of Bengal want to see when action will be taken against the prominent leaders under whose protection alleged corruption and illegal activities have thrived.
He concluded by stating that merely catching small fish will not suffice. The public wants to see the law applied equally to big fish and influential leaders as well.
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