'Taliban-Like Mindset': BJP Tears Into Mamata Govt After Assault on Republic Bangla Reporter

New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA and close aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Akhil Giri, was caught on camera physically attacking Republic Bangla journalist for simply posing relevant questions. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and intensified concerns over the TMC's growing hostility toward independent journalism.  

Coming down heavily on TMC's act, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government, equating its governance style to an “emergency mindset” that suppresses free speech.  

“TMC has come to mean a Taliban-like mindset in culture. It is an emergency mindset that assaults journalism for merely asking important and relevant questions that those in power must answer. Whenever issues like corruption, rape cases, or West Bengal’s deteriorating law and order situation are raised, the response is brutal repression,” Poonawala asserted.  

He further condemned the attack, calling it an assault on democracy itself. “The attack on a Republic journalist in West Bengal is not just an attack on one individual or one channel—it is an attack on the pillar of our democracy, on free speech, and on constitutional rights. Those who claim to stand for free speech must now demand accountability from Mamata Banerjee and ensure that this MLA is sacked.”  

Poonawala also reminded the public of Akhil Giri’s past controversial remarks, including offensive comments against the President of India, and accused the TMC of fostering a culture of intimidation. 

“If doctors protest, they are threatened. If journalists question them, they are attacked. We saw this in Delhi too when AAP’s Amanatullah Khan attacked Republic’s journalist. This proves that these parties don’t want journalism; they want PR. If anyone dares to ask difficult questions, they are silenced. This is nothing short of terror, mafia rule, and corruption at its peak under TMC.”