By News18
West Bengal’s Minister of Mass Education Extension and Library Services, Siddiqullah Chowdhury, has openly expressed his anger and disappointment with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that he was attacked by miscreants backed by his own party during a recent visit to his constituency in Monteswar.
Speaking exclusively to News18, Chowdhury—who also heads the West Bengal unit of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind—warned that if the attackers are not expelled from the party by July 9, he will launch a massive protest rally in Kolkata on July 10 and subsequently resign from the TMC.
“If those responsible are not thrown out of the party, I will leave. I will gather 20 lakh people for the rally,” he said. Chowdhury’s earlier protests over the Waqf law issue had paralysed the city.
Describing the incident, Chowdhury said he was conducting meetings in preparation for TMC’s annual Martyrs’ Day on July 21 when the attack took place.
“At two locations, miscreants waved black flags at me. Suddenly, my car was attacked right in front of the police. My driver was injured. They tried to attack me as well. What is this if not outrageous? Why shouldn’t I be upset?” he said.
Allegation of Inaction by Police
The minister said he had informed the Chief Minister’s Office, senior party leaders, as well as the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police. He claimed the local police station was aware of the possibility of an attack, but no action was taken.
“This was not a surprise ambush; they knew it was going to happen. Yet, they stood by and did nothing,” Chowdhury alleged.
He added that senior TMC leader and minister Firhad Hakim reached out to him, assuring that justice would be served. “Firhad told me even the chief minister is furious. I’m watching closely. If no action is taken, I’m out.”
‘Ahmed Hussain Shek Behind the Attack’
When asked if he knew who had orchestrated the assault, Chowdhury named Ahmed Hussain Shek, president of the Panchayat Samiti in Monteswar, and accused him of being a “known anti-social element”.
“He is behind this attack. I will not tolerate criminal activity—not from the CPM earlier, and not now from within my own party.”
‘False Campaigns Against Me’
Responding to claims that he is rarely seen in his constituency, Chowdhury dismissed the allegations as part of a smear campaign.
“These are lies spread by bad elements. I have always worked for the people. As of now, five people have been arrested, and FIRs have been filed against 41 others. But this is not enough.”
Chowdhury emphasised that leaders like him played a key role in bringing the TMC to power and deserve proper protection. “If a minister is not safe, how will common citizens trust the police to protect them?” he asked.
The political tension comes at a time when the TMC is preparing for its flagship July 21 rally and Chowdhury’s threat of a counter-protest could spell trouble for the party leadership if the issue is not resolved quickly.