Kolkata: CID officers visited the residence of Chowringhee MLA Nayana Bandyopadhyay on Thursday in connection with an FIR lodged by the Bengal assembly secretary. The FIR alleges that her signature proposing Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) was forged. Bandyopadhyay slammed the move, calling it the 'harassment' of a five-time MLA and an attempt to stall Chattopadhyay's appointment.
Background of the Issue
Bandyopadhyay explained that the issue pertains to a meeting held on May 6 by Trinamool Congress legislators to propose Chattopadhyay as their leader. 'It was a party meeting with officially recorded minutes,' she told TOI. 'As is the practice, I wrote my name in block letters and then wrote the name of the assembly constituency I represent. After that, there was no space left on the form to sign. I told the CID officers that I wrote my name and constituency in block letters myself, and there was nothing forged or suspicious about it.'
CID Investigation Details
The CID officers stayed at her residence for 12 minutes and took a copy of her PAN card and a specimen signature. 'It is only a preliminary enquiry,' an officer stated. The investigation is in its early stages, and further steps will be taken based on the findings.
Political Reaction
Bandyopadhyay alleged that the current political climate has worsened compared to earlier regimes. 'In 2001, when I was first elected, the Left Front was in office. But things were not like this back then. It is worse now. The BJP does not want the LoP to be from Trinamool and is trying to bend the rules to thwart it. Is this even a matter for an FIR?' she questioned.
The controversy has sparked a political debate, with Trinamool Congress accusing the BJP of using state machinery to target opposition MLAs. The CID's visit underscores the seriousness of the forgery allegations, though Bandyopadhyay maintains her innocence and cooperation with the investigation.
