BJP candidate slammed for kissing woman during campaign in Bengal

By Chanshimla Varah

Apr 10, 2024

06:14 pm

What's the story

Khagen Murmu, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from West Bengal's Maldaha Uttar constituency, has faced backlash after he was seen kissing a woman on her cheeks. The incident occurred during a campaign in Srihipur village, Chanchal on Monday. The controversial act was caught on camera during a live stream of the campaign and was initially posted on Murmu's Facebook page before being removed.

Political backlash

TMC condemns BJP candidate's actions during campaign

Shortly thereafter, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal took to X to share pictures from Murmu's campaign, saying that the party has "no dearth of anti-women politicians." "Yes, this is BJP MP & Maldaha Uttar candidate @khagenmurmu kissing a woman on his own accord on his campaign trail," TMC stated, accusing the BJP of harboring politicians with disrespectful attitudes toward women.

Twitter Post

Pictures of Murmu shared by TMC

If you cannot believe what you just saw, let us clarify. Yes, this is BJP MP & Maldaha Uttar candidate @khagen_murmu kissing a woman on his own accord on his campaign trail.

From MPs that sexually harass women wrestlers to leaders who make obscene songs about Bengali women, BJP… pic.twitter.com/f0PKdaDDn5 — All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 9, 2024

Candidate's response

Murmu defends his actions, accuses TMC of manipulation

While Murmu did not deny the incident, he alleged that the photo shared by the TMC was slightly edited. He explained that he considered the girl he kissed his own child and emphasized that her parents were present during the incident and did not object. "The girl who is being kissed is a child of our family. Daughter of one of our workers, studying nursing in Bangalore. Good results. So I gave her a little care," the BJP leader claimed.

WB elections

West Bengal to vote in 7 phases

Notably, West Bengal will vote in seven phases for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, beginning April 19. The results will be released on June 4. In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC emerged as the largest party in West Bengal with 18 seats. However, this was a considerable fall from the 30 seats they won in 2014. On the other hand, the BJP made significant advances, winning 18 seats in 2019 compared to only two in 2014.