Vexed with persistent raids of CBI, ED on TMC leaders, West Bengal Assembly passes resolution

New Delhi, Sept 20: West Bengal Assembly passed a resolution against the 'excesses of the central investigation agencies' on Monday (Sept 19). Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit out at the Centre for the alleged "misuse" of the CBI and ED against the Opposition leaders, but stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has not done this".

 

 

 

 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit out at the Centre for misusing the powers of CBI and ED when the West Bengal state Assembly passed a resolution against the 'excesses of central investigation agencies'. However, the WB CM tried to play safe after she stated that it is not PM Modi who is to be blamed here, but the Union Home Ministry, which comes under Amit Shah.

 

Addressing a debate in the Assembly, Banerjee said, "Businessmen are leaving the country and running away. They are running away because of fear and misuse of ED and CBI...I believe Modi hasn't done this. Many of you don't know that the CBI doesn't report to the PMO anymore. It reports to the Home Ministry. Some BJP leaders are conspiring and they go to Nizam Palace often". The resolution against 'excesses of the central investigation agencies' was passed with 189 votes while 64 MLAs opposed the move.

 

 

 

 

 

The West Bengal govt's move comes amid the ongoing probe by ED against Banerjee's nephew, Abhishek Banerjee who is also a party leader and an MP, in connection with the coal scam in the state. Mamata further said that BJP will be ousted from power at the Centre after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. At the assembly address, she further added, "You (BJP) will go in 2024. Those who are flying like gas balloons, they will understand."

 

The WB CM also slammed the Centre for not conducting raids on the leaders who were in Opposition earlier but had joined the BJP. "Without informing the State government, they are sending the agencies at 3 am. If there are raids on those who are wearing saffron, huge money will be recovered from them," she said. "How many raids have been conducted at the residences of the leaders who went to your party?" Banerjee added. She further dared the BJP to prove "even one allegation" of misappropriation of funds against her family.