‘Burqa-Clad’ Men Sent by BJP Creating Communal Tensions in West Bengal, Alleges Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata, February 22: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of disrupting peace in the state. Banerjee claimed that amid rumours of child lifting, "burqa-clad men" is being sent to streets to create chaos. Addressing an official function in Hooghly district, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief slammed the Narendra Modi government over the Pulwama Attack. She said that the attack could have been averted if correct steps were taken on time. Mamata Banerjee, Right or Wrong, The Only Leader in Opposition Who Can Take PM Narendra Modi Head-On?

Without naming the BJP, the West Bengal CM said that attempts were being made to disrupt peace with the intention of creating a divide among people on the basis of religion for political benefit. She alleged, “I run a government, and I am saying this with full responsibility. I have got information that they have purchased burqas and are creating panic among people spreading rumours about child-lifters. Just when the elections are knocking on the door, they are spreading such rumours.”

She urged the people not to take law in their own hands. She said that people should take the help of the police and should lodge a complaint. The TMC Chief added, “These are lies, rumours and conspiracy meant to disrupt peace here and political gimmicks spread keeping in mind the upcoming elections.” Describing the BJP as political "cuckoo birds", she alleged that they come only when the elections are around the corner. Rahul Gandhi Writes Letter Extending Support to TMC Rally, Mamata Banerjee Says 'It Will Mark the Death Knell for BJP'.

Till now, A total 22 cases have been lodged and 40 people arrested across West Bengal, ADG (Law and Order) Siddh Nath Gupta told reporters later on at the state secretariat and added that strict action would be initiated against the culprits. "There are some people from outside the state who are doing this. We have so far arrested 40 people and lodged 22 cases in this connection. We will take strict action in this connection," Gupta said. Mamata Banerjee Vs CBI: Who Said What?

Earlier this month, the West Bengal CM sat on a dharna against the Modi government after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials reached the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar’s residence to question him in connection with the Saradha Chit Fund Scam. Several opposition leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi had also supported Banerjee during the protest.

(With inputs from PTI)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 22, 2019 11:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).