Suspended TMCP Leader Nasimul Haque Arrested Over Tagore Photo Incident

Quick Summary

• Incident Details: West Bengal police arrested suspended TMCP leader Nasimul Haque (AB Sohel) on September 9, 2025, for allegedly burning photographs of Rabindranath Tagore. A complaint was lodged at Chanchal Police Station.
• Police Statement: Malda District Police confirmed the arrest and stated the accused would be forwarded to court.
• Background: Videos showing haque burning photographs of Tagore, along with photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during a protest on September 2, went viral. The protest aimed to highlight targeting of migrants from West Bengal.
• TMCP Response: The leader was suspended by TMCP leadership following the controversy.
• Political Reactions: BJP leaders strongly condemned the act; Suvendu Adhikari and Shamik Bhattacharya expressed their disapproval through protests and social media posts. Adhikari participated in a march holding Tagore’s photograph as a symbol of protest.
• Cultural Context: The incident occurred amid debates on Bengali language and culture in West Bengal’s legislature and growing concerns about Bengali-speaking migrants’ treatment in BJP-led states. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently emphasized protecting Bengali cultural identity during protests.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The controversy over Rabindranath Tagore’s photograph being burned by a member of TMCP underscores deep political fault lines in west Bengal as well as heightened sensitivities surrounding Bengali pride and cultural heritage. The immediate arrest suggests swift action from law enforcement under public pressure fueled by viral footage.

In a state where identity politics play an extensive role, both ruling Trinamool Congress leaders like Mamata Banerjee-known for invoking historical icons-and BJP opposition have capitalized on this incident to galvanize their bases around issues central to culture and patriotism.While TMCP’s suspension decision indicates internal accountability efforts, such incidents could risk sharpening existing political rivalries rather than fostering reconciliation.This development also highlights how cultural debates intersect with broader socio-political narratives regarding migration policies affecting Bengali speakers-a matter increasingly discussed in state-level legislatures. Given Rabindranath Tagore’s unparalleled stature as an icon transcending regional divides, his symbolic portrayal may continue acting as both inspiration for unity or contentious ground among opposing factions.

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