Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Leaflet Distribution at Protest Site Ahead of Modi's Rally
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, March 9 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has leveled accusations against the BJP for allegedly attempting to distribute leaflets promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming brigade rally on March 14 in Kolkata, specifically at her sit-in protest site in Esplanade. She asserted that this action was being orchestrated through an external agency.
In response, Chief Minister Banerjee instructed that those involved in this activity be apprehended on the spot.
She directed state minister Shashi Panja to promptly file a First Information Report (FIR) and urged vigilance in the vicinity.
Reports indicate that at least one individual has already been caught distributing the leaflets.
On the fourth day of the anti-SIR dharna in Esplanade, she stated, "I am issuing a warning to all participants in the dharna. The BJP is attempting to distribute leaflets via outside agencies. We must catch them in the act and turn them over to the police. They have no authority to interfere with the events of other political groups."
She emphasized, "The BJP is distributing leaflets close to the protest area. They should be apprehended. I am assigning the responsibility of filing an FIR to Shashi Panja against these individuals. They have no right to be here. If they misbehave, they shall face consequences."
Banerjee criticized the BJP, labeling it as a cowardly party, stating, "A party of cowards. The public is not attending their rallies. They lack public support. Their intent is to distribute leaflets to Trinamool workers," she remarked.
In contrast, the BJP has dismissed her claims. During a press conference, party spokesperson Rahul Singh asserted, "The BJP is not involved in distributing any leaflets to them (Trinamool) at that location. They are fabricating these accusations against us. Those who attended with placards also have their rights. What authority does the Chief Minister have to obstruct the road day after day?"
He added, "Who granted permission? How did the police approve this? If the Chief Minister has the right to occupy that space, then the public has the right to present their demands and distribute leaflets too."
He further clarified, "None of our members were sent there to distribute leaflets. We do not wish to invite them to Modiji's meeting. Therefore, we have no need to distribute leaflets to them."
Notably, PM Modi is scheduled to conduct a public meeting at the Brigade Parade Ground next Saturday.