The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has initiated an inquiry into a video where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly used offensive language towards the Scheduled Caste community. This move by the NCSC has sparked discussions about the remarks made by the Chief Minister, especially during the ongoing Assembly elections in the state.
NCSC’s Director, Sonali Dutta, has written to West Bengal Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala and Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta, informing them of the Commission’s decision to investigate the matter. The Commission invoked its authority under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution to look into the issue.
In the letter addressed to Nariala and Gupta, the NCSC has requested an action taken report (ATR) within three days. The Commission is seeking information on any initial inquiries conducted and the actions taken by the state authorities regarding the video clip in question. Failure to respond within the stipulated time may lead to further actions by the Commission as per its constitutional powers.
The NCSC’s notice arrives just before the second phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal, slated for April 29. This phase covers 142 Assembly constituencies across six districts and Kolkata, with the vote counting scheduled for May 4.
