Kolkata, April 4 -- A political row has erupted in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency after remarks by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on the Gujarati community drew sharp reactions, with the Trinamool Congress distancing itself from the statement and local leaders issuing an apology. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting from the seat as a TMC candidate.

The controversy stems from a statement made by Moitra during a press conference, where she said, "Bengalis are a very proud race. We led the war for independence against the British. Who were the Gujaratis?... 68% of the names of the people who were killed and incarcerated in Kala Pani were Bengalis, followed by Punjabis. Can you name me one Gujarati who wa...