TMC cautions party MP for statement on Zakir Naik

In a strong disapproval of party MP Idris Ali's stand on controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, Trinamool Congress today cautioned him and indicated that he might be served a showcause notice.
Ali had recently stated that Naik, whose alleged "provocative" speeches encouraged some of the militants behind the July 1 terrorist attack in Bangladesh, did not support terrorism and opposed the banning of the preacher's Peace TV.
"My colleague, Idris Ali, MP, has been cautioned for making a statement without the consent of the party. The issue he commented on is a sensitive one and has not been discussed by us internally," TMC Chief National Spokesperson Derek O'Brien said in a statement.

"The party will have a discussion on the subject and then form an opinion," he said.
Indicating that Ali might be served with a showcause, a top TMC leader told PTI, "Time and again he (Ali) has made controversial remarks which have embarrassed the party. He has made out of turn comments on various occasions, which the party doesn't approve.
"He may be show-caused for making the statement without the consent of the party. He may also be be suspended if his reply is not satisfactory," he said.
When contacted, Ali said, "If my party has cautioned me regarding something, I will not speak on that matter. Whatever I have said, I have said in individual capacity.