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‘What could I have done that day?’: Mamata defends taking part in Carnival amid disaster in Darjeeling

Bengal CM had faced flak for taking part in the grand celebrations in Kolkata on Sunday evening

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee with flood affected people (Express Photo)

Facing criticism for taking part in the Durga Puja Carnival even as north Bengal reeled under floods and landslides, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused the Opposition BJP of “shamelessly politicising a natural calamity for narrow political gains”.

“If I had gone that day, what could I have done? The administration needs time to begin work after such a disaster. Going there would have hampered the rescue operation… The carnival is not a party function. It’s an event that represents West Bengal’s culture and unity. Foreign dignitaries and guests were present at the event,” she said while addressing a press conference at Uttarkanya, the state secretariat in north Bengal.

“Some people have already started doing politics. Why shouldn’t the carnival happen in West Bengal? It’s our pride. The clubs wait for it all year. Doesn’t that have any value?” the chief minister added.

Also Read | Rain Fury in Darjeeling Hills: Relief work in full swing, CM says rebuilding the region her top priority

She also rejected the Opposition’s charge that the government was slow to respond to the disaster in the affected areas.

“I held a meeting with the chief secretary and Director General of Police at 5 in the morning on Sunday… The primary requirement after a flood is to rescue the people who are stranded. They were in panic. The primary role of the administration is to assure them. We reached North Bengal within 36 hours of the incident,” she said.

“People are dying in natural disasters, yet some are saying bridges collapsed due to negligence. Bridges are collapsing in Maharashtra, Delhi, UP, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, everywhere. Even the Maha Kumbh witnessed disasters. Did we ever politicise those?” she said.
With Mamata taking part in the Carnival on Sunday evening, the Opposition BJP and CPI(M) had called her “insensitive and irresponsible”.

Atri Mitra

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More

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