A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party lashed out at Mamata Banerjee government for ignoring IMD warning and the civic unpreparedness that claimed at least ten lives, after heavy downpour disrupted normal functioning in Kolkata, a 25-second video clip from the puja at south Kolkata's Chakraberia has sparked a fresh political row
In the 25-second video clip West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee was seen joining women at a puja pandal in Kolkata in a few steps of Dandiya.
In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the BJP's Amit Malviya said, "Not even 24 hours since Kolkata was drowning and 11 people were electrocuted to death, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee found it appropriate to indulge in revelry and play dandiya during a Durga Puja inauguration in Bhawanipur's Chakraberia. How insensitive can one be? Mamata Banerjee is the very epitome of it".
"Barely 24 hours have passed since 10 Bengalis lost their lives due to electrocution, a tragedy that happened because of the complete failure of Mamata Banerjee and her government. And yet, look at her, instead of mourning with the people of Bengal, she is out playing dandiya," read a post from the BJP's official handle. "She is not even pretending to care anymore. Her actions show that she has become a dictator who believes she is above accountability and that her PR will manage everything and the remaining few journalists on her payroll will cover up for her!!" the post read.
The ruling Trinamool dispensation wasted no time to respond to the posts. "This is the first time that Kolkata has had cloudburst rain. Which was in a record amount, which is 20 per cent of the entire year's rainfall," said senior party leader Kunal Ghosh.
With the Chief Minister's efforts, the Municipal Corporation, Police, Emergency Department has brought the metropolitan back to normal, he said. "The situation has returned to normal in most places. Then, why is the opposition criticising the Chief Minister? What happens to their Delhi, Mumbai, and Surat when waterlogging occurs? If there is such terrible rain, the opposition will play cheap politics here too. First, look at your own states," he added.
Following heavy rains, Kolkata grappled with widespread inundation and power outages, leading to at least ten deaths and leaving residents struggling for basic necessities. Political tensions escalated as BJP criticizes the Trinamool government's handling of the crisis, while opposition leaders express condolences and call for relief efforts. The Calcutta High Court is petitioned for inquiries, compensation, and improved disaster preparedness.
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