Kolkata, Jan 28 (IANS) Forward Bloc general secretary and veteran parliamentarian Debabrata Biswas Monday courted controversy, using obscene words to describe what he called "opportunistic" policies of West Bengal's Trinamool Congress government. He later apologised.

His words sparked protests.

Addressing a party rally in Kamarpukur of neighbouring Hooghly district, Biswas made the remarks, which several TV channels aired.

A section of people, particularly Trinamool Congress workers, burnt effigies of Biswas in protest, forcing him to abandon the rally.

The Trinamool Congress leadership went hammer and tongs against Biswas.

"During the Left Front government regime, of which his party was also a partner, Biswas never protested even when five members of his party were gunned down by the police at Dinhata of Cooch Behar district. And now, he uses such obscene words against us.

"Such words are unbecoming of a the top leader of a party which takes pride in its lineage. This is not acceptable," said state Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim.

The Forward Bloc was founded by legendary revolutionary Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Congress leader Abdul Mannan said: "I am sorry to hear Biswas later issued a public apology, saying he had expressed himself 'carelessly."

"During my long speech I used some words carelessly to describe the policies of the Trinamool Congress which angered and shocked some people. I feel I should not have used the words and I apologise to the people for that," Biswas had said.

Biswas, however, accused the media of "creating a sensation" by telecasting only a part of his speech.

"The media broadcast only a particular portion and not the full speech. Instead of creating a sensation, had the media telecast my whole speech, the people would have understood the context in which I was speaking and would not have protested against the remarks," Biswas said.