West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who was touring Siliguri on Monday, said the Opposition parties had hatched a conspiracy to malign her and her party because they could not fight her politically.
Directly addressing her opponents she said they could not brand everyone “thieves” and “dacoits” and warned them that they should not cross the “laxmanrekha”.
“The mother of a thief shouts the loudest. The CPI(M), Congress and BJP have come out to launch a smear campaign against me. Actually, they cannot fight the TMC and therefore they are now spreading canards against us. But all of them will get a big zero in this election,” she said.
Significantly, Ms Banerjee did not mention the sting operation when she lashed out against what she described as her opponents’ “political conspiracy.”
Taking a cue from the party supremo, important Trinamul Congress leaders like Derek O’ Brien, Partha Chatterjee and Mukul Roy branded the video footage as “manufactured” and questioned the timing of its release. Mukul Roy, the party’s vice president made it clear that TMC will take all possible legal steps in this matter.
TMC national spokesperson Derek O’ Brien issued a statement stating the party is dismissive about it.
“All I can say to our shameless political opponents is, come fight us politically. Do not take recourse to your dirty tricks department...We live in an age where technology is often abused.”
TMC general secretary Partha Chatterjee, while addressing reporters at the party office, said, “The people of Bengal trust the credibility and credentials of Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamul Congress. After the Assembly elections results on 19 May, you will see for yourselves what the people of Bengal think about this sting operation which is devoid of any sting.” He added that Bangaru Laxman was also seen in a video taking money years back but later it turned out that he was innocent.
Mr Roy referred to the video as a “political conspiracy” and said the company that claims to have shot it was registered on January 21, 2016 as per the ROC.
“It has stated that the video was shot for two years since 2014. How is that possible How can you have the ‘annaprasan’ (baby showering ceremony) of a baby before it is born ” he asked.
