BJP leader apologises for hate speech, Trinamool files complaint

A BJP leader in West Bengal who called for chopping off the hands of activists of the ruling Trinamool Congress Friday apologised for the remarks after his own party condemned his speech and the Trinamool filed a police complaint.

Show caused by the BJP state unit, Birbhum district unit president Dudh Kumar Friday apologised for the comments claiming they were made in the "heat of the moment".

"I do not intend to incite violence in any way. Perhaps I got carried away after listening to the plight of my party activists who have been attacked and threatened by the Trinamool goons. I have already written to the party leaders seeking apology for the comments that I made in the heat of the moment," he said.

Addressing a party meet in Rampurhat in the district, Dudh Kumar Thursday made a vitriolic speech calling his partymen to chop off the hands of Trinamool activists who have been threatening BJP workers and supporters.

"Large number of people are joining the BJP and participating in party rallies and meetings, which has irked the Trinamool goons who are now going from house-to-house threatening our people. I warn them, I don't want violence, but if they don't withdraw, I will cut off their hands," Dudh Kumar was seen as saying in a video aired by TV channels.

Referring to Trinamool's Birbhum president Anubrata Mondal and Trinamool legislator from Labhpur, Monirul Islam - both of whom are infamous for hate speeches and have been accused of murder - Dudh Kumar went on to say: "We are not Anubrata Mondal or Monirul Islam, but we will not tolerate threats."

Mondal, who earlier incited party workers to resort to violence against independent candidates and hurl bombs at police, replying to Dudh Kumar's comments said: "Trinamool activists have iron hands, no one can chop them off."

Condemning Dudh Kumar, BJP national secretary and party in-charge for the state S.N. Singh assured of taking action against him.

"We strongly condemn his comments and the state unit has already show-caused him. If needed, the party will not hesitate in taking stern action against him," Singh said.

Trinamool leader and chairman of the Rampurhat municipality Ashwini Tiwari Friday filed a police complaint against Dudh Kumar.

"We have received a complaint and we are looking into it," said a police officer.