Interviews

On this Special Report, former politician Jawhar Sircar provides a ringside view of the escalating political tension in West Bengal following Enforcement Directorate raids on the IPAC office. Sircar observes that 'IPAC has become the eyes and ears of the Trinamool Congress,' acting as a secondary feedback system and data-gathering arm for the party. The program details the legal battle in the Supreme Court, which stayed an FIR against the ED after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was accused of removing seized documents and electronic devices during the raids. The report also covers the TMC's protest marches in Kolkata and Delhi against alleged 'vendetta politics' by the Centre. Furthermore, it explores Mamata Banerjee's recent temple-building initiatives, including the Mahakaal temple in Siliguri, as a counter to allegations of minority appeasement. The discussion highlights the shifting dynamics between the TMC and BJP as the state prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle amidst controversies over the Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls.

Mr. Sircar argues that the anti-Bangladeshi fury in India is playing into the hands of extremists and fundamentalists in Bangladesh. In this context, he points out that the decision to force Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Mustafizur Rahman was completely mistaken and wrong. It overlooked the fact that Mustafizur Rahman is an icon and hero for Bangladeshis and in no way responsible for the mistreatment of Hindus in that country. Now, he says, this will encourage ordinary Bangladeshis to turn against India.