BJP leader Anupam Hazra who threatened to hug Mamata Banerjee if he contracted COVID-19 tests positive

West Bengal BJP leader Anupam Hazra, who a few days ago passed a controversial remark stating that he would hug chief minister Mamata Banerjee in case he tests positive for COVID-19, tested positive for the infection on Friday.   

West Bengal BJP leader Anupam Hazra, who a few days ago passed a controversial remark stating that he would hug chief minister Mamata Banerjee in case he tests positive for COVID-19 tested positive for the infection on October 2.  However, his physical condition is stable.

Anupam was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata after he tested positive for the infection. The BJP leader had developed certain symptoms and his samples were tested for COVID.

On Sunday (September 27), Anupam Hazra, a former Trinamool MP from Bengal's Bolpur, who joined the BJP in January 2019, was quoted as saying, "If someday I am found COVID positive, I will go to chief minister Mamata Banerjee and hug her. She will understand the pain of those who have suffered the disease and have lost their near and dear ones during the pandemic."

A complaint was filed by Trinamool Congress's Refugee Cell for derogatory remarks against a woman and head of the state. It sought action against Anupam Hazra for maligning a public figure, who is a woman, in violation of the Constitution and hurting the sentiments of the complainants. The police complaint was filed at the Siliguri Police Station in Darjeeling district.

Reacting to the police complaint, Anupam said, “If my comments are demeaning, then Mamata Banerjee too had made such comments against the prime minister. Secondly, if one FIR has been filed against me, then at least 10 FIRs should be lodged against TMC leaders.”

BJP leaders in Bengal had distanced themselves from Mr Hazra's comment. BJP's newly appointed vice-president Mukul Roy said, “Those in positions of responsibility must be careful about what they speak.”