Kolkata, 09 March (H.S.) : Mamata Banerjee on Monday alleged that attempts were made to distribute leaflets of the Bharatiya Janata Party near the protest site at Dharmatala, where a demonstration is underway against the SIR. She urged supporters present at the venue to remain vigilant and hand over anyone involved in such activities to the police.

Speaking on the fourth day of the protest, Banerjee claimed that the BJP was trying to distribute pamphlets near the dharna stage through “outside agencies.” She said it was inappropriate for members of one political party to enter the programme of another party and attempt such activities.

The Chief Minister also claimed that one person allegedly trying to distribute leaflets near the protest venue had been caught. Addressing the gathering from the stage, she said those involved should be detained and handed over to the police so that a formal complaint can be registered against them. She assigned Shashi Panja the responsibility of taking necessary steps in the matter.

During the protest programme, Banerjee also launched a sharp attack on the BJP, describing it as a “vote thief” and a “party of cowards.” She asked party workers to keep a watch on the BJP’s activities in different areas.

The Chief Minister also took part in a cultural segment at the protest site and joined supporters in singing the song Eki Labonye Purno Pran.

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BJP Rejects Allegations

However, the BJP dismissed the allegations made by the Chief Minister. Senior BJP leader Rahul Sinha told reporters that no party worker had gone to the protest site to distribute leaflets.

He alleged that the ruling party itself might be attempting such acts to falsely implicate the BJP. Sinha further said that if the Chief Minister has the right to hold a protest at Dharmatala, others too have the democratic right to express their views there.

He also added that the BJP does not need to invite Trinamool supporters for the proposed rally of Narendra Modi at Brigade Parade Ground, where the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public meeting on Saturday.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh