BJP removes Bengal leader Anupam Hazra as national secretary over controversial remarks

BJP president chief JP Nadda took the decision, a statement said, adding that it was effective immediately.

The announcement was made on a day Union Home Minister and the party's chief strategist Amit Shah is on a visit to Kolkata.

Hazra was won the Bolpur on a Trinamool Congress ticket in 2014 but defected to the BJP.

Since then, he has risen consistently within the party with BJP designating him as the party's Scheduled Caste face.

He was given another stint in 2023 and was also made the party's co-in charge of Bihar.

However, he sparked controversy with his remarks. In September, he said that the “corrupt” leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, who are likely to get summons by the CBI or the Enforcement Directorate should contact him to join the BJP.

Following, the controversial remark, BJP state unit distanced itself from the statement amid TMC chief Mamata Banerjee’s "washing machine" allegations against the party.

Mamata Banerjee compared BJP with washing machine accusing it of protecting tainted leaders, who defected to the saffron party, from corruption probe. 

"You can go to my Facebook page and contact me. If you feel shy to come forward and talk about joining the BJP, you can get in touch with me and tell me your wish. We will see how your services can be used for the party," Hazra was heard saying in a video that was widely circulated, according to an NDTV report.