BJP demands probe into 1980 Eden Gardens riot

The BJP Saturday demanded a probe into the 1980 riot at the Eden Gardens here that led to a stampede killing 16 spectators during an East Bengal-Mohun Bagan football match.

Alleging that indiscriminate baton-charge by police led to the stampede that killed the spectators who had come to watch the Calcutta Football League game, Bharatiya Janata Party Lok Sabha member and former cricketer Kirti Azad demanded a probe into the incident.

"Even as we demand a probe for punishing the guilty police officers, we know it will never materialise. This government will never allow such a probe because it only knows how to stifle voices that speak the truth or stand in protest," said Azad, who also led a march to pay homage to the victims.

Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech inviting foreign investors, Azad asked what the Trinamool Congress government has done in Bengal for industry.

"People had so much expectations from Didi (Banerjee) that she will change things after coming to power. But the only thing that has changed is the allegiance of the criminals who now follow the orders of the Trinamool instead of the Left Front," he said.

He also attacked the state government for not taking action against Trinamool parliamentarian Tapas Paul for his rape and kill remarks.

"What to expect from a government which does nothing to a demon like Paul who publicly abused mothers and sisters. Women in Bengal will have to become (goddess) Durga for this government will do nothing to protect them," he said.

BJP state president Rahul Sinha ridiculed Banerjee's penchant for involving film actors in everything.

"This government has made it clear there is no place for sports or industry, only dancing and jumping will be promoted. World famous for its culture, Bengal now hits the headlines for uncultured behaviour endorsed by the Trinamool," Sinha said.