On hazy footage aired by local TV channels, Mr Pal, a two-term MP, is clearly heard saying, "I will ask our boys to go and rape CPM women if necessary." (File photo)
The wife of Trinamool Congress MP and popular Bengali actor Tapas Pal has apologised for her husband's shocking comment that he would send "our boys to rape CPM women if necessary."
Nandini Pal, who is a TV artiste, said on Tuesday morning, "I apologise. My husband is sad but this has to be seen in the context of what's happening to TMC workers in the area." She also said, "I feel terrible about it but at the same time the other part of the story was different. Those guys told him we will go to your house and everyday we will rape your daughter, wife, mother. It was an exchange of heated words, though whatever he said is not right."
On hazy footage aired by local TV channels yesterday, Mr Pal, a two-term MP, is clearly heard assuring party workers that members of other parties will not be allowed to harm them. "If any CPI-M man is present here. Listen to me...Earlier, you guys have bullied me on various occasions...If you insult the mothers and daughters of Trinamool workers, then I won't spare you. I will let loose my boys in your homes and they will commit rape," the actor said. (
Trinamool Leader's Shocker: 'Will Ask My Boys to Go and Rape CPM Women')
Derek O Brien of the Trinamool Congress said, "A chief minister as sensitive as Mamata Banerjee, I can tell you in colloquialism, she is hopping mad." But there has been no indication yet of any action against Mr Pal. The MP has been asked to give a written explanation. (
Tapas Pal Undeserving to Sit in Parliament: Brinda Karat on Trinamool MP's 'Rape CPM Women' Remark)
Ms Banerjee's political opponents are outraged. "The question needs to be asked to Mamata Banerjee if she would endorse such statements and what action would be taken," said Rajiv Pratap Rudy of the BJP.
A livid CPM has said it will move the National Commission for women against Mr Pal and also complain to the Lok Sabha speaker. "What has been reported in the media as a public statement is condemnable...We are going to approach NCW and the speaker. We want to ask Parliament to inquire into this," said the party's Malini Bhattacharya.
It is not clear when the actor-politician made the shocking comments; there is speculation that it could have been in May, after winning the general elections when he was addressing workers of his party, the Trinamool Congress, in a West Bengal village in Nadia district.
An embarrassed Trinamool Congress quickly distanced itself from Mr Pal's comments. "Statements made by Mr Tapas Pal are very insensitive. We do not in any way endorse what he said weeks ago, being played on TV today," Mr O'Brien said.
Tapas Pal, 55, is an award winning actor. His daughter Sohini Pal too is an actor in Bengali films.