Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar denies writing letter over 'TMC links to Bangladeshi militant groups'

A political controversy erupted after reports claimed that Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar had written a letter alleging links between a former TMC Rajya Sabha MP and a Bangladeshi extremist organisation. The reports further claimed that the letter had been addressed to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. However, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar categorically denied writing any such letter and rejected any association with the claims being circulated.

The controversy began after allegations surfaced that a former TMC Rajya Sabha MP had direct connections with a militant organisation in Bangladesh. The reports also alleged that funds linked to major chit-fund scams in West Bengal had been routed to Bangladesh and used in efforts to destabilise that country's elected government. Additional claims were made regarding the non-transfer of land required for border security infrastructure during the tenure of the previous state government.

Responding to the reports, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar stated that she had not written any letter on the matter to the Chief Minister of West Bengal. She said she had no connection with the reports currently being circulated and firmly denied having sent any communication to either the state government or the Union government regarding the allegations.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was also asked about the controversy. He said he was not aware of whether Kakoli had written such a letter and noted that he had not seen her statement denying the reports. He added that various illegal activities had taken place on the soil of West Bengal in the past and said he had raised such concerns on several occasions while serving as Leader of the Opposition.

The Chief Minister further stated that he would not comment on any individual without evidence and described himself as a responsible Home Minister and Chief Minister. He said he would gather information on the matter and added that if any communication had been sent to the Central Government, the concerned central agencies would examine it. He also said that the West Bengal Police, Intelligence Branch, CID and STF would provide assistance if any information was sought during the course of an inquiry.