Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to topple the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra in an “unethical and unconstitutional” manner, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that after Maharashtra, they (Bharatiya Janata party) will topple governments in other States ruled by Opposition parties.
“What is happening in Maharashtra is shocking...There should be justice for the electorate’s mandate...After Maharashtra, they will topple governments in other states,” the Chief Minister said speaking to journalists at the State Secretariat. The Chief Minister accused the BJP government of “destroying several institutions” and wondered whether the country was going in for a Presidential form of governance.
Ms. Banerjee linked the developments in Maharashtra with the ongoing election to the post of President of India. “You will appreciate that there is a presidential election and the BJP government has less votes than what is required,” she said, connecting this to the timing of BJP’s efforts to topple the Maharashtra government. “This time, they have chosen to topple the Maharashtra government in an unethical and unconstitutional manner,” she added.
The Trinamool Congress chairperson also asked to send the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs to West Bengal from Assam, and assured that she will extend them good hospitality. “Why are you disturbing the Assam government when they are facing floods? Instead of Assam, send them (the MLAs) to Bengal and we will extend good hospitality and take care of democracy, too,” she said.
Ms. Banerjee alleged that “hawala money” and agencies like Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate were used to destabilize elected governments. The Chief Minister said that hundreds of people in her party, the Trinamool Congress, have been issued summons by the central agencies.
“Today you are in power and you are using money power, muscle power and the mafia power. One day, you will have to go. Do not destroy democracy. I think the Maharashtra government should get justice,” Ms. Banerjee added.
