Don't want army to be a political tool, but Mamata is 'politicising' issue: BJP

Backing West Bengal Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi who cautioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against making allegations on the army, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that while the Centre has been making efforts not use the army as a political instrument, Mamata has been politicising the issue for her own cause.

"We don't want army to be instruments of politics, but Mamata is bent on politicising the army issue, there is nothing more insulting than this. Insulting the army is like insulting nation. The governor has said the right thing. Speaking against those who sacrifice their lives for the nation, it does not behoove a chief minister," BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha told ANI.

Yesterday, the governor urged Mamata not to make "defamatory" allegations against a "responsible organisation" like the Indian Army.

"Every person should take care in making allegation against a responsible organisation like army. Don't let down the army. Don't defame the army," Tripathi said.

However, the chief minister hit back at the governor, alleging that he was speaking in tune with the central government.

"Governor is speaking in the voice of Central Government!! He was not in the city for about eight days. Before making statements, all details should have been checked. It is very unfortunate," she posted in her official Twitter account.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju had also criticised Mamata for dragging the army into controversy by projecting their routine exercise in the state as something sinister.

Mamata had earlier cried foul over the army deployment at two toll plazas in West Bengal and alleged that this was done without any prior information to the state government.

However, the army clarified on the issue by releasing a series of letters stating that it was very well in contact with the Kolkata Police and that it was nothing but a routine exercise which takes place every three to four years.