'Mamata is trying to deflect attention from Saradha scam', alleges BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday hit back at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her barbs directed against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah, saying the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo is now attempting to deflect attention from the Saradha chit fund scam.

"The very fact that Mamata Banerjee is now trying to deflect attention from the Saradha scam through statements, reveals that the truth is reaching the doors of the Trinamool Congress and her office. The Saradha scam needs to be investigated more," said BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli.

"Is this a defence raising questions on Modiji, Amit Shahji? They are doing their work. Why is the Trinamool Congress not doing its work and punishing the guilty in West Bengal for the Saradha scam?" he asked.

Criticizing Prime Minister Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, Mamata earlier today alleged that an unstable situation is prevailing across the country with the BJP in power at the Centre.

"There are riot mongers, who want to destroy the country's fabric by pitting one community against the other. We accept all challenges," she added.

Mamata, who was addressing her party MPs and MLAs in Kolkata, further alleged that the ruling government put AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa behind bars.

"In India, no one can speak because of fear. They put Jayalalithaa behind bars, she could not speak up. When her party stages protests, they are slapped with (Article) 355. I challenge you to enforce (Article) 356 against us. We are not born to come to power, for us the people are most important and we value them," she added.

In a major setback to the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Government, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) yesterday arrested Srinjoy Bose in connection with the Saradha scam.

Bose is the second lawmaker to be arrested in connection with the Saradha scam.

Earlier this month, Trinamool Congress MP and Saradha scam prime accused Kunal Ghosh was hospitalized after he allegedly tried to commit suicide in jail.

A suicide note and sleeping pills were also recovered from his cell.

Ghosh, who headed Saradha media arm before being arrested in November last year, has been alleging the involvement of several leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress including its top brass.

He had threatened to commit suicide when he was produced before the special CBI court probing the scam, demanding the immediate arrest of those who were involved in the swindle.