Fatwa against Dilip Ghosh for ‘filthy’ remark against CM Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: A Muslim cleric on Monday said he has issued a fatwa against Dilip Ghosh for making “filthy” comments against chief minister Mamata Banerjee, drawing a bitter reaction from the BJP’s state president.

Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan mosque Maulana Noor-ur Rahman Barkati told a press conference that he has issued the fatwa against Mr Ghosh for “making filthy comments against the chief minister”.

“From where does he get such audacity to make filthy comments against our beloved chief minister who is the most secular leader of our country? I issued the fatwa which states that he should be pelted with stones and then kicked out of Bengal. He does not deserve to stay in Bengal,” Mr Barkati said.

Barkati was accompanied by TMC MP Idris Ali, who too condemned Mr Ghosh for his comments. Reacting to Mr Barkati’s charges, Mr Ghosh said this country is neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh that he could issue a fatwa.

“What does Barkati think, is this Bangladesh or Pakistan that he will issue a fatwa against me? He can issue fatwas against TMC; they will listen to him, but not BJP. It seems Barkati no longer wishes to stay in Bengal or India. I think he is planning to migrate to Pakistan or Bangladesh,” he said. The TMC had Sunday condemned Mr Ghosh’s “abusive and goonda-like” language against Ms Banerjee, while announcing a three-day protest against the Centre’s demonetisation decision.