Mamata Banerjee Addresses Parliament Security Breach: Zero Tolerance for Compromises and BJP's Accusations
Trinamul Congress Chief Demands Unbiased Investigation Amidst Allegations of Political Proximity
On Sunday, Mamata Banerjee broke her public silence regarding the Parliament security breach that occurred on Wednesday, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for compromises on security. She criticized the BJP for attempting to "defame" her government by linking Trinamul to alleged "mastermind" Lalit Jha.
Speaking at Calcutta airport while en route to Delhi with her nephew Abhishek Banerjee for meetings, Mamata addressed the serious security lapse on December 13. She acknowledged Union Home Minister Amit Shah's admission of the lapse and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, asserting that her government does not compromise on security matters.
The ongoing exchange of accusations between the BJP and Trinamul revolves around allegations of Trinamul's proximity to Lalit Jha. The saffron camp circulated photos, including a purported selfie from a Saraswati Puja pandal in February 2020, claiming it as evidence. Trinamul leaders countered, stating that such photos do not establish political proximity.
When questioned about the BJP's allegations, Mamata dismissed them, stating there was no connection with Bengal and calling for an unbiased investigation. She urged responsible discourse and accused the BJP of spreading malicious propaganda to defame Bengal.
Trinamul sources expressed confidence that the allegations would backfire on the BJP in Bengal. The party has been demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the expulsion and arrest of BJP MP Pratap Simmha, and a statement from the Prime Minister in Parliament.
Mamata responded to the BJP's inaction against Simmha, stating that the matter should be raised by MPs. Trinamul had earlier accused the BJP of employing diversionary tactics to shift attention from the security lapse.
In recent disciplinary actions, Derek O'Brien, Trinamul's leader in the Rajya Sabha, was suspended for the remainder of the winter session, along with 14 Lok Sabha MPs from various parties. Trinamul alleged that these actions were a result of diversionary tactics employed by the BJP to deflect attention from the security lapse.v
