Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 25 slammed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over 'politics of violence' and said that she protecting those involved in violent activities.
"I feel this is the kind of politics (violence and atrocities against women) suits her (Mamata). She uses the government machinery with this aim," he told News18 in an exclusive interview.
On being asked whether the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief has lost control of Bengal, the Prime Minister said that it is only a misconception.
"It's not that she (Mamata) does not have any control and others are doing as they please. She is the one who orchestrates, and then protects those who carry out such acts. In a way, she has a lot of control, but all of it is in the wrong direction," he added.
PM Modi also claimed that it is, in fact, the West Bengal CM's conviction that this is the only way to remain in power.
Soon after the Prime Minister took a jibe at Mamata Banerjee, TMC hit back asking why has the Centre not released funds under MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) to West Bengal.
"PM Modi is talking ill about the Bengal government. He should first explain why since 2021, after losing Bengal elections, the Centre has not paid a single penny for MNREGA and even stopped the AWAS Plus funds. So before talking ill about the West Bengal government, PM Modi should come clean on these," TMC spokesperson Riju Dutta said.
Speaking about the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) performance in previous elections in the state and its growth since then, the Prime Minister said the party hasn't grown as much in any other state as it did in Bengal.
"We had just three seats before and then managed to win 80 during the previous assembly elections. But look at the misfortune of my country ... The Khan Market gang dubbed it as a defeat because we could not form the government. But, it was a huge achievement for us as we reached 80 seats from only three before," PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the bittersweet relationship he shares with the Bengal CM who keeps sending mangoes and Bengali sweets to him.
"Mamata Banerjee sends mangoes and mishti doi and that is a protocol followed by her. I also thank her for the same. But, it does not mean that all the wrongdoing can be ignored. It clearly does not mean that I can be blind about what is happening," he added.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
