Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday asked minister Srikant Mahato to apologise unconditionally to Tollywood star and Trinamul’s Midnapore MLA June for certain comments.
In a recent video, Mahato was seen accusing senior party leaders, including national general-secretary Abhishek Banerjee and state president Subrata Bakshi, of allowing actor-politicians to thrive as “assets” of the party “despite their corruption”.
Sources said that during the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mamata pulled up Mahato for those comments.
“The chief minister asked Srikant to apologise to June unconditionally... in such a way that the Midnapore MLA (June) should call her to inform about it. The chief minister also warned him to be careful before speaking in future,” said a minister.
Although Mahato named many actor-politicians, including June, Dev, Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, Mamata asked Mahato, the MLA from Salboni, to apologise
to June as she is an MLA from his neighbouring area and
both know each other, a source said.
According to Trinamul sources in West Midnapore, last Friday, Mahato held an informal meeting with a group of local Trinamul workers in Salboni to discuss the present political situation. Someone at the event recorded his speech and shared it on social media.
In the video clip, Mahato was seen saying:in front of around 100 persons: “We tried to reach Mamata Banerjee (with our message) and tried to explain it to Abhishek Banerjee and Subrata Bakshi. But they did not want to understand. They considered bad people good.”
“People like (Ghatal MP) Dev, (former MP) Sandhya Roy, (state secretary) Sayantika (Banerjee), (Midnapore MLA) June Maliah, (Basirhat MP) Nusrat (Jahan), (Jadavpur MP) Mimi (Chakraborty)… they are involved in looting. If these people are considered to be the party’s assets, we ca’'t function here,” Mahato said. “It is better if my ministerial berth is gone…. People are accusing all ministers of being thieves. Will the party listen to thieves and robbers?”
Sources said the video clip was sent to Abhishek’s office.
On the directive of senior leaders in Calcutta, Ajit Maiti, Trinamul district coordinator in West Midnapore, on Sunday showcaused Mahato. In reply, Mahato on the same day sought an apology in writing. He promised to be careful in future.
Speaking to The Telegraph on Wednesday, Mahato said he would soon meet Maliah to express his regret.
“I will follow what Didi said. Didi actually told me to seek pardon from all who have been hurt by my comments. I have already sought an apology in writing. As I know June Maliah, I will meet her and apologise,” said Mahato.
June said she was happy with the party’s intervention and especially because Mamata had stepped in.
“I am really happy as our honourable chairperson took serious note of the comment by him (Srikant). The intervention of our chief minister is a lesson for all of us to be careful before making any comment in public or on social media,” she said.
Sources said that security guards and a police escort dedicated for Mahato were withdrawn by district police on Wednesday. Sources said it was a result of his derogatory comments against senior party leaders and those from the film industry.
“The party is not happy with Mahato for his irresponsible comments. Let’s see what happens in the future,” said a senior Trinamul leader in Calcutta.
