TMC leader showers currency notes on dancers, suspended

Television footage showing South 24 Parganas Zila Parishad member Meer Taher Ali showering the notes triggered a major controversy, following which the party constituted a probe committee.

The three-member panel, comprising TMC state president Subrata Baxi, general secretary Mukul Roy and secretary general Partha Chatterjee, will probe the incident where girls in skimpy clothes reportedly danced in front of hundreds of people.

According to Chatterjee, the TMC will not tolerate any activity that may dent its image and that of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He said the party placed Ali under suspension soon after the matter was brought to the notice of top leadership. "He will remain under suspension till the inquiry is completed. The party does not approve such events," said Chatterjee.

He slammed news channels that aired video clips showing Ali at the event. He said there's an attempt to show the party in a poor light by a section of news channels. "Foundation ceremonies of Trinamool were observed in two lakh places and several thousands donated blood and attended health check up camps. Why have you picked only one event?" he asked.

Ali, according to party sources, organised an event Tuesday night to celebrate TMC's foundation day and the venue was a few kilometres away from Bhangar police station. He invited some other leaders as well.

TMC supporters, including dozens of women, assembled at the venue. As the programme began around 8 pm, girls wearing short skirts and a male singer started performing. Spectators saw Ali climbing the stage and showering currency notes on the girls.

He then picked up the microphone and asked the crowd if they were enjoying the show. "Some leaders left the venue. The incident shocked women particularly," said a minister.

The incident embarrassed top party leaders, one of whom intervened following which the programme was stopped. Sources said the government would inquire if administrative approvals were taken for the event.

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