Kolkata, July 13 (IANS). Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy protested against the proposal to remove the Bankra Mosque near Kolkata Airport. He said that decisions related to religious places should be taken with the consent of the local community. This issue is being raised under political pressure.
Speaking to news agency IANS, MP Saugata Roy said, “The local Muslim community is not in favor of removing the mosque and the religious sentiments of the people should be respected.” He said that this mosque has been present there for the last several decades and the controversy over its removal has come up only in recent years. He clarified that consent of the local people is necessary before any action.
He disagreed with Ritabrata Banerjee’s statement in which he had said that we are the real Trinamool and if anyone else calls themselves Trinamool then it is illegal. Saugata Roy said that no final decision has been taken in this matter yet and the court’s comments cannot be considered as the final decision.
Saugata Roy said, “As per what I have seen, no final decision has come. It was just a comment of the court. We do not accept it and we have already approached the court against it. We will also approach the higher court.” He indicated that the party would continue the legal fight in this matter.
The TMC MP also reacted to the arrest of CPM leader Laheq Ali in the Baruipur incident. He said that he got information about this matter through newspapers and the police took action on the basis of the complaint. The Chief Minister should think about this so that the truth can come out.
Saugata Roy said, “The police have arrested him. Whether it is right or wrong, I don’t know but it remains to be seen how this case will hold up in the court.” He described the judicial process as the basis of the final decision.
Saugata Roy raised questions on the intentions of the government regarding the Anti Social Activities Act, 2026. He said that strictness is necessary against criminals and anti-social elements, but any law should be within the ambit of the Constitution. According to him, the proposed law may be against the rights given in the Constitution.
He said that according to the Constitution, it is necessary to produce an arrested person in the court within 24 hours, whereas this bill can affect this right. Now it has to be seen whether the court accepts this law on constitutional criteria or not.
Saugata Roy also targeted BJP on the issue of Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He said that BJP wants to implement it, but has not been able to do so due to lack of sufficient majority at the Centre. However, UCC should not be implemented and it may affect the interests of the Muslim community.
–IANS
SAK/VC
