A political storm has erupted in Bulandshahr district after Sikandrabad Nagar Palika chairman and BJP leader Dr Pradeep Dixit announced a Rs 1 crore reward for beheading Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP Saayoni Ghosh. The announcement was made during a protest against an old social media post allegedly from Ghosh's account that was deemed insulting to Hindu deities.
The Controversial Statement
In a video circulating widely on social media, Dixit is heard saying, "I worship Lord Shiva for one hour every day. The act committed by TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh has deeply hurt me. Whoever brings Saayoni Ghosh's severed head will be given a reward of Rs 1 crore." The remarks were made at a protest in Sikandrabad, where organizers accused Ghosh of insulting Hindu deities. A 3,100-kilometer foot march was also organized by Hindu groups on the same issue.
Background of the Controversy
The dispute stems from a social media post from Ghosh's account in 2015, which resurfaced in 2021 and again during recent West Bengal elections. The post allegedly featured a Shivling in a disrespectful context. An FIR had been registered against Ghosh over the post. Ghosh has consistently maintained that her account was hacked in 2015 and the image was posted by the hacker. She stated that the post was deleted immediately after she regained control of her account.
Political Reactions
Bulandshahr Congress district president Ziaur Rahman condemned Dixit's statement and demanded police action. "How can women feel safe if there are such people in the party? They are offering a reward for killing a woman. This is shameful, and senior party officials must take suitable action against him. We demand police register an FIR," Rahman said.
BJP district president Vikas Chauhan distanced the party from Dixit's remarks, calling them a personal opinion. "The party does not support such derogatory statements, even if made by any of its own members. BJP has always respected women and remains committed to protecting their dignity," Chauhan told TOI.
Neither the police nor the district administration had issued an official statement at the time of filing this report. However, a senior police officer indicated that action would be taken if a complaint is received.
