NB Viewpoint | "What if they place an explosive?", WB CM Mamata raises questions on increasing ED raids in state

“"I have a security problem. These agency officials break open locks to carry out raids if no one is present at the location. Let us imagine a situation. What if they place an explosive? Can anyone guarantee that?... What if they secretively keep a gun? Can anyone guarantee that they are not bringing in some crores in cash in secret?...This (raids) cannot be legal" - Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister

“"They tried taking income tax from puja committees. They are taking GST from Bengal people. GST needs to be paid even if you buy a single 'nokuldana' (sugar balls). Someday they will charge GST from clubs. They do not know that there is something called humanity, culture which cannot be taken away" - Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister

“"Police should stay alert 24/7, they should pay special attention to women's security. Puja clubs should maintain security with the help of volunteers. Durga Puja will be celebrated in peace...Police should make sure that the airport is not disturbed" - Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister

Kolkata, Aug 23: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee sounded an alarm on raids that are being carried out by central investigative agencies in the state, and queried what if officials kept an "explosive" in somebody house on the pretext of investigating.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on ED raids

Mamata Banerjee was attending a coordination meeting with organizers of Durga Puja in Netaji Indore Stadium here on Tuesday. Mamata said that her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee had returned two days ago to the city and "babus" (ED officials) were sent to various places to conduct "searching". "My boy (Abhishek) returned two days ago and they have already sent babus (ED officials) for searching," she said.

Also read: NB Viewpoint | Jadavpur University's second reply 'unsatisfactory', says UGC Chairman on student death case

Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mamata Banerjee said that the central government had attempted to collect "income tax" from Durga Puja committees. Speaking about unity among various religions, Mamata Banerjee said, "Festivals are for individual, religion is for everyone. My parents have not taught me not to visit on Eid, not to visit gurudwaras, Jain mandirs, Gujarat mandirs..."

The Bengal Chief Minister also pointed out that there are many Muslims who organise Durga Pujas. "Many Muslims give water, extend help...Do you have any idea how many Durga Puja committee presidents are Muslims...," she said. Speaking about ensuring security during Durga Puja, Mamata Banerjee said, "Many folk artists like those playing dhak, dhamsa will be coming during Puja. 40,000 Durga pujas are celebrated in the state, approximately 1000 pujas are celebrated in Kolkata alone."

Also read: NB Viewpoint | Jadavpur University's second reply 'unsatisfactory', says UGC Chairman on student death case

The West Bengal Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 70,000 grant to each puja committee, which was increased from Rs 60,000 last year. She said that she will request the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation and West Bengal State Electric Development Corporation Limited to offer two third concessions to the puja committees.