Syama Prasad Mukherjee's bust vandalised in Kolkata, six detained

Representation pic

At least six persons were detained when a bust of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee was vandalised in Kolkata on Wednesday. The prominent right-wing ideologue's statue came under attack at Kalighat area of south Kolkata. This comes after a couple of similar incidents -- Lenin's statue razed in south Tripura and social activist Periyar's bust vandalised in Vellore, drawing criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The West Bengal wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the latest "barbaric act of vandalism". "We demand very strong action against the culprits and want to give away the message that you just can't take away the contribution of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee in building West Bengal by this shameful act," said WB BJP General Secretary Sayantan Basu.

Basu said the BJP would rebuild the statue with more grace. The development comes after the Prime Minister earlier in the day disapproved in strong words the incidents of vandalism in Tripura and Tamil Nadu. The MHA in a statement asked all states to take strong action against vandals.

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