Kolkata. Manav Guha, BJP MLA from Memari assembly seat in East Bardhaman district of West Bengal, has taken a tough stand against those who are allegedly collecting extortion in his name. In a program organized in Memari, he told the people that if any person asks for money by taking the name of the MLA, then first his identity and contact with the MLA should be confirmed. He warned of strict action against such people.
The MLA said in his address that even before the elections he was against extortion and even after being elected as MLA, his stance remains the same. He appealed to the people that if someone comes asking for money in his name, he should be asked to talk to the MLA directly. In his statement he also used strong language like tying the extortionists to a pole and beating them.
Allegations of demanding money in the name of shops and development works
Manav Guha alleged that some people in Memari area are demanding money from shopkeepers in the name of the MLA. Giving examples of such allegations, he said that somewhere there have been cases of demanding Rs 5,000 from a shop, while at other places there have been complaints of demanding money in the name of installing a submersible, getting a water line or getting permission for illegal construction. He said that action will be taken against those involved in such activities as per law.
The MLA also said that if a complaint of recovery is received in his name in the Panchayat areas, he will personally reach the spot and take the action forward. He said that no one will be allowed to extort money using his name.
Questions raised on BJP leaders also
In his address on the issue of extortion, Manav Guha also said that there may be some people in his assembly constituency who were earlier associated with some other political party and later joined BJP. He raised the question whether old criminal elements are involved in such activities after changing their political identity. However, these are allegations and apprehensions of the MLA, which cannot be presented as independently established facts.
He also said that no matter which political party the person involved in extortion is associated with, action should be taken against him.