Burdwan, West Bengal: West Bengal minister and senior Trinamool Congress leader Swapan Debnath courted controversy by alleging that some CPI(M) women activists were in a habit of tearing their own clothes and then blaming TMC men for molestation.

"CPI(M) women activists tear off their blouse themselves and then blame TMC men for molestation. CPI(M) women activists are always in the habit of blaming TMC men for molestation but the people know the truth and don't believe them," Debnath, the Animal Resources Development Minister told TMC workers meeting at Baidyapur in Burdwan district on Monday.

On January 1, there was a clash between CPI(M) and TMC activists in Kalna, near Baidyapur and CPI(M) women activists had then alleged that TMC men had molested them during the clash. The remarks drew sharp criticism from CPM Politburo member Brinda Karat.

This shows the depths to which TMC has fallen. In a state where crime against women has increased the highest rate in the whole country, for a minister to speak like this in such derogatory terms about political opponents, she said.