Mamata attacks Modi, calls Amit Shah ‘unimportant’

Kolkata:  Calling the vandalism of Bengali social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’s bust as “BJP’s pre-planned conspiracy”, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the Prime Minister lacked “shame” while negating the allegations against his party.

“Vidyasagar was not insulted just like that. It was a planned criminal and communal conspiracy. Bengal is under attack,” Banerjee said during an election meeting in Agarpara in North 24 Parganas district.

She said people who attack the culture of Bengal by bringing “miscreants” from other places should be ashamed.

To prove her allegation, Banerjee played the video of local BJP leader Rakesh Singh where he is seen instructing some members to attend the meeting carrying bamboos.

“Now Prime Minister has no shame while saying that they have not broken (the bust),” Banerjee pointed out.

However, Singh told reporters that only a certain portion of his video message was being circulated and that it was doctored.

Banerjee said she can furnish all the evidence regarding the vandalism and claimed the video clips prove that it was a “saffron attack”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing an election rally at Taki in the same district, accused Banerjee of orchestrating the attack on BJP President Amit Shah during his roadshow in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Regarding the allegations against Trinamool, Banerjee said: “They are naming Trinamool, but where was Trinamool? We were not there as we don’t even look at their rallies. It were the students of Calcutta University and students who protested.”

She said Shah was not that important that he would be attacked. For Trinamool, his worth is not even at par with a party block president, he said.

Taking a jibe at Tuesday’s rally, Banerjee said: “During the rally, they played some sort of instruments while moving ahead like ruffians. People had to shut windows out of fear. They have scattered flower petals on the road as if Lord Krishna had arrived.”

She criticized the BJP for bringing people by paying them money.

“To destroy Bengal’s contribution, BJP is doing a planned conspiracy. If needed I will be ready to sacrifice my life but will never let anyone touch the culture, soil and eminent leaders of Bengal,” she added.

Published on: May 15, 2019 at 20:42 IST

IANS