Day after MP comment,an apology,a ban and outrage

Even the CPMs womens wing, the Ganatantrik Mahila Samity,was embarrassed. Its West Bengal chief Shyamoli Gupta said as a womens leader she was ashamed that an MP of her party could say such politically indecent words. There is always some mudslinging from both sides in a political battle but to raise the chastity of a woman is something that goes beyond decency, said Gupta. The party is doing whatever it needs to do,Gupta said.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee,having called Basus remarks an unpardonable offence that did not become a Communist leader,said that if required strict action including possible expulsion from the party will be taken.

It is unfortunate that Basu used such filthy language. He has been warned not to use such language in future. He is not going to address any more public rallies. If needed he will be punished. If one or two persons cross limits they will have to be reined in, Bhattacharjee said.

Mamata said her party would not match abuse with abuse. We will tackle this politically, she said at a rally at Garia.

The Chief Minister,however,alleged that the Trinamool too has been guilty of personal attacks on CPM leaders. The Opposition too is indulging in personal attacks. For example,Leader of the Opposition Partha Chatterjee alleged that my daughter was running an NGO which is funded by some foreign country. It is baseless for my daughter does not work with any NGO, Bhattacharjee said.

The Trinamool Congress has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission demanding Basus arrest. The state election office had sent a CD of Basus speech and a report by district magistrate Priya Ranjan to the Election Commission. We will act in accordance with the EC directive, state chief electoral officer Sunil Gupta said.