BJP MP Khagen Murmu and the party’s Lok Sabha candidate from Bengal’s North Malda constituency sparked controversy when he was photographed kissing a woman on the cheek during a campaign event. The incident occurred on Monday while the BJP candidate was canvassing in Srihipur village of Chanchal within his parliamentary constituency. Images of Khagen Murmu kissing the woman circulated widely on social media platforms.
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
The Trinamool Congress criticized the BJP, stating that the party harbors “anti-women politicians” and pointed to a history of such behaviour.
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“If you find it hard to believe, let us clarify. Yes, this is BJP MP & Maldaha Uttar candidate Khagen Murmu, voluntarily kissing a woman during his campaign. From MPs who sexually harass women wrestlers to leaders who produce obscene songs about Bengali women, the BJP camp has no shortage of anti-women politicians. This is how Modi Ka Parivar respects women! Just imagine their conduct if they were to come to power,” the Bengal ruling party tweeted.
Dulal Sarkar, vice president of Trinamool Congress in Malda district, also condemned the incident, labeling it as contrary to “Bengali culture.” He questioned the BJP’s mindset if such incidents arise during the pursuit of votes and suggested that the people will judge accordingly.
Khagen Murmu defended the kiss, stating that the woman is akin to “his child.”
“This is a baseless conspiracy against me. They have twisted values,” remarked the BJP candidate.
He further announced plans to file a complaint against the Trinamool Congress regarding their remarks on the kissing incident. “Parties and individuals are being defamed by distorting such images,” added Khagen Murmu.
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Additionally, the woman involved defended the BJP candidate’s actions, criticizing those who deemed the images as obscene. She stated that there is nothing inappropriate if a man kisses a woman in a fatherly manner.
“Those who spread such incidents on social media have a corrupt mindset. Khagen Murmu regards me as his daughter. My parents were also present when the photo was taken,” she clarified.