Gauri Lankesh’s killing is very alarming, says Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Targeting the BJP over the murder of veteran journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed her concern. She described the attack as ‘sad and very alarming’ at an event on healthcare organised by the state health department.

On Wednesday evening Ms Banerjee took part in a journalists’ candle-light protest rally organised by the Kolkata Press Club. She later tweeted, “Participated in a candle vigil from #Kolkata Press Club till Gandhi statue to condemn the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh.” 

On Tuesday night the Trinamul Congress supremo condemned the Murder of Lankesh and demanded justice. “Saddened at the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. Most unfortunate. Very 

alarming. We want justice” she tweeted. Earlier while speaking at the event Ms Banerjee, who is also the health minister, claimed that the healthcare situation in the BJP-ruled states have become pathetic. She slammed the BJP governments in UP and Gujarat over the recent crib deaths and swine flu there. “Dont you think it’s a big crime if the children die due to lack of oxygen? Sometimes the doctors cannot do everything. The government must have a comprehensive plan. If a government can not supply oxygen to the children to save their lives and still talks big, I do agree with it,” Ms Banerjee said.

Ms Banerjee said she wants the infant mortality rate in West Bengal to be zero. Accusing the media of remaining silent of the swine flu deaths in Gujarat and other BJP-ruled states, she complained that hue and cry were made over small incidents in the state.