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.
Amid widespread outrage at Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal's shocking comment on rape, his wife Nandini has apologised, but has also defended her husband saying he "did not have ill-intentions." (
'Will Ask My Boys to Rape CPM Women': For Trinamool MP's Shocker, Wife Apologises)
Nandini Pal, who is a TV artiste, said on Tuesday morning, "I apologise. My husband is a good man, he will never support all this, he's not feeling good...what he said wasn't good at all, but other side of story is different. No one is trying to find out what provoked him to speak like that..this has to be seen in the context of what's happening to TMC workers in the area."
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')
A red-faced Trinamool Congress distanced itself from Mr Pal's comment, describing it as "insensitive" and emphasising that it did not endorse such statements. Derek O Brien of the party also 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.
The BJP demanded to know if Ms Banerjee will punish Mr Pal. "The question needs to be asked to Mamata Banerjee if she would endorse such statements and what action would be taken," said the BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy.
A livid CPM has said it will move the National Commission for women against Mr Pal and also complain to the Lok Sabha speaker. "Tapas does not deserve to sit in Parliament," said CPM leader Brinda Karat. (
Tapas Pal Undeserving to Sit in Parliament: Brinda Karat on Trinamool MP's 'Rape CPM Women' Remark)
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.
Tapas Pal, 55, is an award winning actor. His daughter Sohini Pal too is an actor in Bengali films.