CBI Vs Kolkata Police: 'Mahagathbandhan' Leaders Support West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's 'Save The Constitution' Dharna, Slam Narendra Modi Government
Hours after five Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials were detained by the Kolkata Police outside commissioner Rajeev Kumar’s residence on Sunday, various ‘Mahagathbandhan’ came in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s 'Save the Constitution' dharna.
Kolkata, February 3: Hours after five Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials were detained by the Kolkata Police outside commissioner Rajeev Kumar’s residence on Sunday, ‘Mahagathbandhan’ leaders came in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s 'Save the Constitution' dharna. Opposition leaders also accused the Narendra Modi government of misusing the CBI for political gains. Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, and Arvind Kejriwal spoke to the West Bengal CM over the phone and expressed solidarity. IPS Rishi Kumar Shukla Appointed As New CBI Director.
Samajwadi Party leader and former CM of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav alleged that freedom of people of the country is in danger due to policies of the Narendra Modi government. He extended his support to Mamata Banerjee for staging dharna against the BJP government at the Centre. The former UP CM further stated that all the opposition parties have united to defeat the BJP in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
Similarly, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a mockery of democracy and federal structure. Escalating his attack on the Centre, Kejriwal said that Modi-Shah duo is a threat to democracy. The Delhi CM tweeted, “Modi ji has made a complete mockery of democracy and federal structure. Few years back, Modi ji captured Anti- Corruption Branch of Del govt by sending paramilitary forces. Now, this. Modi-Shah duo is a threat to India and its democracy. We strongly condemn this action.”
Banerjee on Sunday started her 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel in Kolkata to protest the CBI move to question the Kolkata Police commissioner. Kumar was also present along with several other TMC leaders at the dharna spot. The Chief Minister has called for the dharna after high drama took place outside the residence of Kumar. Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers also staged protests in various area of West Bengal over the ongoing CBI issue. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units have also arrived at CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata.
However, Interim CBI chief Nageshwar Rao accused Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar of destroying evidence in Chit fund case. Speaking to News Agency ANI, Rao said, “We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the SC. A SIT has been constituted by the WB govt prior to SC's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner.” He added that the Kolkata police had taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. The CBI will also approach the Supreme Court on Monday against the Kolkata Police.
On the Contrary, the BJP called the WB CM a dictator. BJP Leader GVL Narasimha Rao said, “Incident taking place in Kolkata is unfortunate. Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing the investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this.” Meanwhile, the CBI has sought time from West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to discuss the issue.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 03, 2019 11:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).