Mamata Sowing The Whirlwind, God Knows What She Will Reap: Harish Salve On R Bangla Assault

Kolkata: After a brazen attack on Republic Bangla reporters at Jadavpur University, Harish Salve, Senior Advocate Supreme Court of India & King's Counsel, UK, has slammed the West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee led government and strongly condemned the attack on journalists. Talking exclusively to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, Senior Supreme Court Advocate Harish Salve launched a scathing attack on Mamata for brandishing the Constitution without understanding its true essence. He asserted that the Constitution's soul is more important than its printed words, and that losing sight of this soul undermines Constitutionalism. Lashing out at the TMC-led government, he specifically criticised the communist influence on Calcutta's political culture, which he believed has brought violence into the forefront. Salve also warned that Mamata Banerjee is repeating the same mistakes, sowing a whirlwind that may eventually spiral out of control.

Senior Supreme Court Advocate Salve believed that the communists introduced violence into West Bengal's political culture, and now Mamata Banerjee, is reaping the consequences of those actions. He suggested that Mamata's actions are perpetuating a cycle of violence, and warned that this will eventually spiral out of control. As he exclusively spoke with Republic Media Network, his words echoed the phrase "sow the wind, reap the whirlwind," implying that the consequences of Mamata Banerjee's actions will be severe and far-reaching.

Speaking to Arnab Goswami, Salve said, “We've seen politicians walking around and brandishing copies of the Constitution. They don't realise the most important thing about the Constitution is not what is printed in that book but what is fundamental to the Constitution is the soul. The day you lose your soul, don't talk of Constitutionalism.”

“The communists brought violence into Calcutta's political culture, and as the saying goes, "sow the wind, reap the whirlwind." Mamata Banerjee the whirlwind they are now reaping. Mamata is doing the same thing, she is sowing the whirlwind, god knows what she will reap. This will get out of hand one day,” the Senior Supreme Court Advocate stated.

Salve's remarks come amidst a growing pattern of intimidation and violence against journalists in West Bengal, particularly those critical of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government under Mamata Banerjee, which saw Republic Bangla reporters Pinki and Bhaskar locked up in the registrar's office and Hridita heckled by university students and staff, has sparked widespread outrage over the erosion of press freedom in the state.

The senior Supreme Court advocate's statements are a damning indictment of Mamata Banerjee's administration, which has been accused of strengthening a culture of hostility towards independent journalism. Pertinently, the state has witnessed several incidents of political clashes and attacks on journalists, opposition leaders, and civilians. 

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Attack On Press Freedom: A Growing Concern

The attack on Republic Bangla reporters is merely the latest incident in a long series of assaults on press freedom in West Bengal. Journalists have faced threats, intimidation, and physical harassment for reporting on sensitive topics or criticising the government. The TMC government's hostility towards independent journalism has created a climate of fear, where reporters are reluctant to speak truth to power.

The incident at Jadavpur University is particularly disturbing, given the university's reputation as a hub of intellectual and academic freedom. The fact that university students and staff were involved in the attack on Republic Bangla reporters raises serious questions about the erosion of democratic values in the state. 

Pattern of Intimidation

The attack on Republic Bangla reporters is not an isolated incident. Journalists in West Bengal have faced a growing pattern of intimidation and violence, particularly since the TMC government came to power. The government's actions have created a climate of fear, where journalists are reluctant to speak truth to power.

The TMC government's hostility towards independent journalism has been well-documented, with reporters facing threats, intimidation, and physical harassment for reporting on sensitive topics. The erosion of press freedom in West Bengal has serious implications for democracy, as it undermines the ability of citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable.

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People Demand Central Government's Action

The attack on Republic Bangla reporters is being widely criticised and the people have called it as a wake-up call for the nation. It highlights the need for urgent action to protect press freedom and uphold the principles of democracy. The TMC government must take immediate action to address the growing pattern of intimidation and violence against journalists in West Bengal.

The people have urged that the central government must also take a strong stance on the issue, condemning the attack on Republic Bangla reporters and calling for immediate action to protect press freedom. A call for the judiciary to take cognisance of such incidents and playing a crucial role in upholding the principles of democracy and protecting the rights of journalists.

The lawyer also stressed the need for protecting journalists, who are facing increasing threats and intimidation. "The court must form a committee. No FIR to be registered without a clearance. Journalists should be protected like public servants."

Also Read | Dramatic Moment Captures R Bangla Reporter Being Heckled And Pushed At JU Registrar Office

Warns Over Growing Trend Of Balkanisation

The Renowned lawyer, Harish Salve has also expressed concerns about the growing trend of Balkanisation in India. He criticised the Congress party for bringing Khalistani leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale into the political mainstream. "Congress brought Bhindranwale into the political mainstream to try and checkmate the Akalis," Salve said adding that the rest of the country had to pay a dear price for what followed. 

Salve also targeted the Mamata Banerjee-led government, accusing it of disrupting the country's unity. "Somebody doesn't allow the ED into the state, somebody doesn't follow the 'rupee' logo on his budget...This Balkanisation of India has to be put down very firmly," he said.

Salve warned that if the trend of Balkanisation is allowed to continue, it will have disastrous consequences for the country. "If you allow the seed (of Balkanisation) to be planted, the tree will be so poisonous that it will be the end of India."

The senior Supreme Court advocate's is crucial at a time when the country is witnessing growing tensions between the central government and the opposition-ruled states. His warnings about the dangers of Balkanisation and the need to protect journalists are a timely reminder of the importance of upholding India's democratic values.