BJP MLA Kaustav Bagchi has threatened to set himself on fire outside the party’s West Bengal headquarters if Uttam Das and Prashanta Chowdhury, named in connection with the 2020 murder of BJP leader Manish Shukla, are inducted into the party.

At a press conference, Bagchi urged the BJP leadership not to admit the two men, saying their reported association with party leaders has sparked resentment in Barrackpore and could damage the party’s image.

‘People in Barrackpore are reacting after seeing Uttam Das and Prashanta Chowdhury with members of our party. This does not create a good impression. It has generated a negative reaction among the public,’ Bagchi said.

He warned that he would pour kerosene on himself and set himself on fire outside the state party headquarters if the two were allowed to join the BJP. Bagchi also cited his political commitment, saying he had kept his head shaved for three and a half years.

The controversy follows reports that Das and Chowdhury, whose names emerged in connection with the murder of Shukla, were seen at a BJP event. Bagchi alleged that their association with BJP leaders was unacceptable and reiterated that he would oppose their entry into the party.

Shukla was shot dead in front of the BJP office in Titagarh in 2020. The murder had triggered a political controversy in West Bengal.

Das, the then chairman of the Barrackpore municipality, and Chowdhury, a former chairman of the Titagarh municipality, were named in connection with the case.

Bagchi alleged that the two escaped punishment while associated with the then-ruling camp and accused them of trying to switch political allegiance after the change in government.

The episode has brought tensions over political defections and the possible induction of controversial figures into the BJP into focus in Barrackpore.

However, the allegations against Das and Chowdhury should not be treated as proof of guilt.

(Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or thoughts of self-harm, seek professional support without delay. You can contact Tele-MANAS, a 24x7 mental health helpline by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, at 14416 or 1800-891-4416.)