On Camera: Mamata's MLA Attacks Republic Bangla Again For Asking Right Questions

Kolkata: In yet another attack on press freedom, a close aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was caught on camera assaulting a Republic Bangla journalist for simply asking the right questions. The shocking incident, which took place in full public view, has sparked outrage, raising serious concerns about the safety of journalists and the ruling Trinamool Congress’s growing hostility towards independent media.

Mamata's Man Attacks Republic Bangla Again

A heated altercation broke out outside the West Bengal Assembly as Trinamool Congress ( TMC ) MLA Akhil Giri was caught on camera pushing a Republic Bangla reporter for questioning him about the alleged presence of outsiders in the House. The Republic Bangla reporter approached Giri outside the Assembly premises, seeking his response on allegations of unauthorized individuals being allowed inside the House. However, instead of addressing the query, the TMC leader reacted aggressively, physically pushing the journalist aside. The moment was captured on camera and has since been doing rounds on social media, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.

When Akhil Giri Mocked President Murmu 

Giri had earlier sparked outrage with objectionable remarks about President Droupadi Murmu. His comments, made during a public rally in 2022 in Nandigram, had drawn widespread criticism.

While targeting BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Giri had said, "He (Suvendu) says I am not good-looking. How beautiful you are! We don’t judge anyone by their appearance; we respect the office of the President. But how does our President look?" The remark was perceived as a dig at President Murmu, who hails from the tribal community and is India’s first tribal President and second female head of state.

Republic Bangla Soft Target of Mamata? 

Republic Bangla has increasingly found itself in the crosshairs of the Mamata Banerjee government, facing intimidation, attacks, and wrongful arrests for exposing uncomfortable truths. The arrest of Republic Bangla reporter Santu Pan last year for simply reporting on the Sandeshkhali scandal—where women accused TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his aides of grave atrocities—was a glaring example of the state's efforts to muzzle independent journalism. 

While real perpetrators remained at large, Mamata’s police force chose to target a journalist, sparking outrage across legal and media circles. With the Calcutta High Court later tearing apart the baseless charges and granting Pan bail, the incident laid bare the ruling party’s growing hostility towards Republic Bangla’s fearless reportage.