Did Amit Malviya Just Expose Mamata Banerjee’s Blame-Game for Kolkata's Electrocution Deaths?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Amit Malviya criticizes Mamata Banerjee's blame-shifting tactics following tragic electrocution deaths in Kolkata. As the city grapples with the aftermath of a cloudburst, questions surrounding accountability and infrastructure maintenance arise. Dive into the details of this political clash amid a growing governance crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Severe rainfall and cloudburst caused waterlogging in Kolkata.
- Seven electrocution deaths resulted from submerged wires.
- Mamata Banerjee blamed CESC for the fatalities.
- Amit Malviya criticized the blame-shifting tactics.
- Questions raised about accountability and infrastructure funds.
Kolkata, Sep 24 (NationPress) Following a midnight cloudburst that resulted in severe rainfall and waterlogging in Kolkata on Tuesday, the BJP’s Information Technology Cell chief and the party’s special observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, on Wednesday, mocked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s tendency to shift blame regarding the seven electrocution fatalities in the city stemming from submerged electrical wires.
On Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attributed the seven electrocution deaths to the private power utility, CESC Ltd.
These fatalities occurred due to exposed electrical wires submerged in floodwaters that accumulated during the night’s torrential rains following the cloudburst.
“CESC must bear responsibility for these tragic deaths. They should urgently dispatch their personnel to avert similar incidents in the future,” the Chief Minister remarked to the media, reacting to the electrocution incidents.
In addition to power generation, the Sanjiv Goenka-owned CESC oversees power distribution in Kolkata and the nearby Howrah district, holding a complete monopoly in these two areas.
Launching a fierce critique of the private power utility, the Chief Minister lamented that it was unfortunate that CESC profits from West Bengal while investing in infrastructure upgrades in Rajasthan. She also stated that despite her repeated reminders, CESC management has failed to focus on modernization efforts in West Bengal.
Moreover, she asserted that it is the moral obligation of CESC management to offer employment to at least one family member of each victim of the electrocution tragedies. However, at the time of this report, there was no response from CESC management regarding the Chief Minister’s remarks.
According to Malviya, the Chief Minister’s comments on Tuesday, blaming CESC for the electrocution deaths, signify her typical strategy of deflecting accountability, especially since the private power utility has consistently received support from her administration for maintaining their monopoly.
Malviya stated, “CESC’s monopoly, sustained through the Chief Minister’s cronyism,” is one of three reasons for the distress of Kolkata’s residents, with the other two being “Mamata Banerjee’s apathy” and the “high-handedness of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).”
“Instead of taking responsibility, Mamata does what she always does; she shifts the blame! This time, CESC. But the reality is that CESC’s arrogance and impunity thrive only because its CEO is considered one of Mamata Banerjee’s closest allies,” Malviya asserted.
Malviya also raised questions regarding the fate of the Rs 4,300 crore drainage funds received from the Asian Development Bank by the West Bengal government.
“Furthermore, while she blames heavy rainfall and other states for the disaster and its aftermath, the pressing question remains: where has the Rs 4300 crore drainage fund from the Asian Development Bank gone? Where is the accountability? Why are open wires still dangling across the streets? Why do electrocution deaths keep recurring? This isn’t a natural disaster; it’s a governance catastrophe,” Malviya claimed in a social media post on Wednesday afternoon.
Point of View
The ongoing political blame-game surrounding the recent electrocution deaths in Kolkata highlights a significant governance issue. It emphasizes the need for accountability and effective infrastructure management, particularly in the wake of natural disasters. As the narrative unfolds, it is crucial for leaders to prioritize public safety and transparency over political maneuvering.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the electrocution deaths in Kolkata?
The electrocution deaths were caused by submerged electrical wires due to severe waterlogging following a midnight cloudburst.
Who is responsible for the power distribution in Kolkata?
CESC Ltd, a private power generation and distribution utility, is responsible for power distribution in Kolkata.
What did Mamata Banerjee say about the incident?
Mamata Banerjee blamed CESC for the electrocution deaths and stated they should take immediate action to prevent future tragedies.
What criticism did Amit Malviya offer?
Amit Malviya criticized Mamata Banerjee for shifting blame instead of taking accountability, highlighting her support for CESC's monopoly.
Where did the drainage fund come from?
The Rs 4,300 crore drainage fund was received from the Asian Development Bank for infrastructure improvements in West Bengal.
