Journalism of Courage
Premium

Modi govt hits back, says Mamata Banerjee helping Saradha scam accused

Venkaiah Naidu insisted that the government has no role in the ongoing investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam,

Advertisement

Rejecting her allegation that the Centre was pursuing a “selective vendetta” against TMC, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday said that by making such claims, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was “helping” those who are involved in criminal cases.

“I always respect Banerjee. She is a fighter. She has brought a big change in Bengal by ending the CPI(M) rule. We have worked together. By making such allegations against the government of India, she is helping the accused. She should instead purge such people,” he told reporters here.

Naidu insisted that the government has no role in the ongoing investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam, which is being handled by CBI, and the NIA-led probe into the Burdwan blast.

The remarks come on the heels of Banerjee’s blistering attack on the BJP-led NDA government which, she alleged, was misusing the CBI. Regarding the blast case, she has said Bangladeshis are our neighbours and “brothers” and that terrorists have no religion.

“We work for the people. No conspiracy can thwart us. Whole party (Trinamool Congress) is being blamed for the fault of one or two outsiders,” she had said in Kolkata, adding that she will take her fight to Delhi.

Meanwhile, at a Congress briefing, party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi steered clear of the issue, saying his party does not react on matters which are sub-judice. “As far as sub-judice matters are concerned, Saradha and

“As far as sub-judice matters are concerned, Saradha and other issues, as a political party we have nothing to say,” he said, adding that there was a perception within TMC that it was being targeted.

Story continues below this ad

“If found to be true, it is liable to be deprecated and we will speak out against it,” Singhvi said. Another Congress leader said the party was keenly watching the developments in Bengal amid apprehensions. Banerjee has alleged that she was being victimised because she had last week attended an international conference on Jawaharlal Nehru organised by Congress in the national capital.

Banerjee has accused the NDA government of carrying out a “selective vendetta” against herself and TMC and dared the Centre to arrest her and impose President’s rule in Bengal.

Her outburst followed the arrest of TMC MP Srinjay Bose in connection with the Saradha scam.

From the homepage

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
  • CBI Mamata Banerjee Saradha scam case
Edition
Install the Express App for
a better experience
Featured
Trending Topics
News
Multimedia
Follow Us
Bihar Elections 2025Prashant Kishor frames an angry Bihari campaign but on the ground, is aam aadmi that angry?
X