Sharmistha Panoli Arrest Sparks Political Controversy, BJP Criticizes TMC Over Double Standards

The recent arrest of social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli by Kolkata Police has ignited a major political uproar in West Bengal. Following her detention, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fiercely criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of biased and selective law enforcement.

BJP Leaders Condemn the Arrest, Claim Political Vendetta

West Bengal Assembly Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and BJP leader Pawan Kalyan have openly condemned the arrest, labeling it unjust and an attempt by the state government to appease certain groups.

Pawan Kalyan stated that although Sharmistha, a 22-year-old law student, made regrettable remarks during Operation Sindoor that hurt some sentiments, she acknowledged her mistake, deleted the controversial video, and apologized. Yet, despite this, the West Bengal Police acted swiftly to arrest her, which Kalyan called disproportionate.

He said, “Blasphemy should be condemned wherever it happens. Secularism cannot be a shield for some and a weapon against others. Justice must be impartial. The entire nation is watching how West Bengal Police handles this case. #IStandWithSharmistha.”

BJP Points to TMC Leaders’ Past Remarks, Questions Police Action

Suvendu Adhikari highlighted a perceived double standard by recalling controversial statements made by prominent TMC leaders:

• Mamata Banerjee reportedly called the Maha Kumbh a “Death Kumbh” and labeled the chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ as insulting. Despite this, no legal action was taken.

• TMC MP Mahua Moitra described Goddess Kali in a way many found offensive, yet an FIR was filed only after public outcry.

• West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim stated that non-Muslims are “unfortunate” and need to be brought into Islam, but no police action followed.

Adhikari questioned the inconsistency in the police’s zeal, asking where the enthusiasm was when Hindu idols were vandalized in West Bengal, or when religious processions like Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti were attacked with stones.

He also mentioned the case of Anubrata Mandal, a TMC leader, who allegedly threatened violence against a police subordinate’s family, yet no action was taken against him.

Background on Sharmistha Panoli’s Arrest

Sharmistha Panoli, a law student from Gurgaon, made a controversial personal comment following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where Hindus were reportedly targeted. Though she later deleted the video and apologized, Kolkata Police arrested her, sparking debate over freedom of expression and selective law enforcement.

Suvendu Adhikari assured that nationalist lawyers have taken up her defense and vowed to provide her with the best legal support. He further criticized the Mamata Banerjee government for allegedly using the police as a tool for political vendettas.