FIR Registered Against Abhishek Banerjee Over Alleged Provocative Election Speeches
An FIR has been registered against Abhishek Banerjee at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station following allegations of provocative speeches delivered during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election campaign.
The legal action stems from a complaint filed by social activist Rajib Sarkar. According to the FIR, Sarkar lodged the complaint at the Baguiati Police Station on May 5, one day after the announcement of the election results. The complaint alleges that between April 27 and May 3, Banerjee made inflammatory remarks during various campaign events.
The complaint further asserts that these speeches disturbed public tranquillity, promoted enmity, and included threats directed at Union Home Minister Amit Shah. To support these claims, Sarkar submitted links to several of the speeches in question.
Legal Charges and Investigation
The FIR was officially registered on May 15 at 2:45 pm at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station. The case has been filed under the following legal provisions:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Sections 192, 196, 351(2), and 353(1)(c).
- Representation of the People Act: Sections 123(2) and 125.
Police stated that the speeches allegedly contained threatening and inflammatory content that could disturb communal harmony and create public disorder. The police alleged that the accused used aggressive language against opposition workers during these public events.
Sub-Inspector Somnath Singha Roy has been directed to lead the investigation into the matter.
Political Reaction
Commenting on the registration of the FIR, BJP leader and Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development Dilip Ghosh stated, “Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee and their leaders have acted tyrannically. People did not complain at that time because of fear However, they are now ready to complain, and the police are ready to act on it, so justice will be served.”
Potential Implications
The initiation of this case suggests that the remarks made during the campaign period may now face formal legal scrutiny. As Sub-Inspector Somnath Singha Roy conducts the investigation, the evidence provided—including the submitted speech links—could determine the trajectory of the case. This development may lead to further legal proceedings if the allegations of promoting enmity and criminal intimidation are substantiated.