BJP's Anupam Hazra, who threatened Mamata with COVID-19 hug, tests positive for infection

File Photo (PTI)

KOLKATA: BJP West Bengal 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, has tested positive for the infection.  

Hazra 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 coronavirus. 

He was recently been appointed as a national secretary of the saffron party. 

After his controversial statement on Mamta, the Trinamool Congress had lodged a police complaint against Hazra for maligning a public figure, who is a woman, thus violating the Constitution.

"Our workers are fighting a bigger enemy than corona. They are fighting Mamata Banerjee. When they (BJP cadres) have been able to fight it out against Mamata Banerjee without a mask, they think they can also fight against COVID-19 without wearing a mask," Hazra said. "I have decided that if I get infected with the coronavirus, then I will go and hug Mamata Banerjee," he added.

Hazra, a former Trinmool MP who joined the BJP last year, said the way the bodies of COVID-19 patients were being cremated in the state was pathetic. Hazra, a former TMC MP who joined the BJP last year, said the way the bodies of COVID-19 patients were being cremated in the state was pathetic.

Reacting to the police complaint, Hazra told PTI that Banerjee too has made several controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"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," he said. The state BJP leadership, however, distanced itself from Hazra's comment.

On October 1, the coronavirus tally mounted to 2,60,324 in West Bengal following the detection of the new cases. The total number of COVID-19 patients who have died stood at 5,017; whereas the active cases stand at 26,552.