Bengal: ISF legislator Nawsad Siddiqui files defamation case against Trinamool MLA Sokat Molla
ISF MLA Nawsad Siddiqui Files Defamation Case Against TMC’s Saokat Molla in Kolkata
In a fresh political showdown in West Bengal, Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Nawsad Siddiqui has slapped a defamation lawsuit on Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Saokat Molla. The case hit the Bankshall Court in Kolkata on Monday, escalating tensions between the two leaders from South 24 Parganas district.
Siddiqui, the lone ISF legislator in the state, claims Molla, who represents Canning East, falsely accused him of pocketing Rs 30 crore from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to sabotage TMC’s interests. Not stopping there, Siddiqui alleges that Molla tried to lure him into joining TMC with promises of a ministerial spot in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s cabinet.
After filing the case, Siddiqui spoke to reporters with fire in his eyes. "Molla straight-up said I took Rs 30 crore from the BJP—that’s a total lie! He’s tarnishing my name in public. I won’t stoop to his level with street talk, so I’m hitting back legally. Let him prove it in court: When and where did this supposed deal happen? Was it in Rs 500 notes or what?" Siddiqui challenged.
This isn’t new bad blood. Ever since Siddiqui won the Bhangar seat in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, he’s clashed hard with TMC, especially Molla, who holds sway in South 24 Parganas. In those polls, TMC swept 30 out of 31 seats in the district, leaving ISF with just that one victory for Siddiqui.
The rivalry has turned ugly, with violent clashes reported since 2021, peaking during the 2023 state panchayat elections. TMC has repeatedly tried to woo Siddiqui over to their side, but he’s turned them down flat every time.
Siddiqui didn’t hold back on the latest drama. "BJP grabbed 77 seats in 2021, and TMC’s cool with that. But one seat for ISF? That’s got them all riled up! They first offered me a spot in their party—I said no. Then they slapped fake cases on me. I did 42 days in jail, plus another 24 hours. Now, since I won’t bend, they’re using social media to spread lies and humiliate me socially. When they can’t beat me politically, they play dirty."
As this defamation case unfolds, eyes are on how it shakes up the power play in South 24 Parganas and West Bengal politics. Stay tuned for updates on this TMC vs ISF tussle.
