A controversial statement made by Sheikh Alam, identified as a Trinamool Congress (TMC) functionary, ignited a political firestorm in March 2021 during campaigning for the West Bengal Assembly Elections. Alam's remarks, captured in a video from Nanoor in Birbhum, suggested a communal division with significant implications for India's unity. The incident prompted immediate condemnation and a swift disavowal from the ruling TMC.
During a public address, Alam was purportedly heard saying, > "If 30% of minorities unite, if India's Muslims unite, four Pakistan can be created." This statement, which quickly went viral, implied that a united Muslim population could lead to the fragmentation of India. The context of the speech was a rally ahead of the crucial state elections, where political rhetoric was already heightened.
The Trinamool Congress promptly distanced itself from Alam's inflammatory comments. Senior TMC leaders, including Birbhum district president Anubrata Mandal, clarified that Sheikh Alam was not an official member or recognized leader of the party. The party emphasized that it does not endorse or support such divisive statements, asserting India's secular character.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized on the remarks, launching sharp criticism against the TMC and accusing it of engaging in appeasement politics. BJP leaders, including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, condemned Alam's statement, linking it to what they described as the TMC's true colours and its alleged fostering of communal polarization. The controversy added another layer to the already intense political rivalry between the two parties in West Bengal.
The incident unfolded just prior to the first phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly Elections, contributing to the charged political atmosphere. Such statements often become focal points in India's political discourse, particularly concerning issues of national identity and communal harmony. Alam later reportedly offered an apology, stating his words were misinterpreted and he did not intend to advocate for the creation of new nations.