Major controversy in Bengal.
In a major controversy, Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed was seen campaigning in favour of the Trinamool Congress candidate from Raigunj constituency Kanhaiyalal Agarwal on Sunday.
Ahmed participated in a road show, accompanied by Bengali Tollywood actors Ankush and Payal from Karandighi to Islampur.
After road show, Ahmed took the stage for Trinamool Congress’ election campaign and said, “All should vote for the Trinamool Congress. All should vote for didi.”
Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Janta Party has moved Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raigunj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor, Ahmed.
Watch: Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed campaigning for TMC candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in Raigunj. Says, vote for TMC. BJP alleges violation of MCC after a foreign national campaigns for TMC. EC takes cognisance of the matter @dna @ZeeNews @WIONews pic.twitter.com/Ed3ubeF1EC
— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_zeenews) April 15, 2019
Roping in Ferdous is latest in TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee's effort to cash in on star connect to win Lok Sabha elections in Bengal. Several movie stars including relative newcomers like Nusrat Jahan and Mimi Chakraborty are fighting for TMC in the Lok Sabha election.
1. Firdous Ahmed takes part in rally in support of TMC candidate
)
2. BJP calls it illegal
)
This is illegal. This is a violation of the MCC. This proves Trinamool Congress’ love for Bangladeshis. They want to consolidate minority votes in this constituency by inviting Bangladeshi actors to campaign for them. We have moved Election Commission demanding action against the Trinamool Congress,” said BJP leader Pratap Banerjee.
On the other hand, Election Commission communicated to this correspondent that they have received a complaint and are looking into it.
3. Is Imran Khan next?
)
Dilip Ghosh questioned whether TMC doesn't have anyone from India to campaign. BJP Bengal chief said that he is very surprised and questioned whether, "Tomorrow, Banerjee will invite Pakistan Prime Minister Imaran Khan to campaign for the TMC."
4. TMC defiant despite BJP's objection
)
However, Trinamool Congress maintained that there was nothing wrong in roping in the Bangladeshi actor for the campaign. “Our contribution for Bangladesh in the 1971 Liberation War has been immense. And I do not feel that we have done anything wrong by inviting Ferdous to campaign for us here. We will not do anything that is anti-national, illegal or violates the Model of Conduct. If commission takes action against us, they must also take action against BJP candidates and leaders flashing arms and swords on Ramnavami during the election period,” said former Trinamool Congress minister Madan Mitra.
