BJP's arrogance, conduct reminiscent of Emergency days: Mamata

Facing a severe attack from the BJP over several issues, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday hit out at the party for its "irresponsible comments, unparliamentary utterances and persistent character assassinations" which she termed reminiscent of the Emergency period.

"...in politics, ethics, mannerisms and domain knowledge are key essentials.

"Surprisingly, now-a-days, BJP through their different networks, are continuously engaged in making irresponsible comments, unparliamentary utterances and persistent character assassinations, where even women are not spared," Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said on her Facebook page.

"Such arrogance and irresponsible conduct remind us of the Emergency days. I do not want to see deterioration and demolition of the beauty of democracy. One first needs to behave himself and then guide others," she said.

Banerjee's comments come in wake of the central and state Bharatiya Janata Party leaders' relentless attacks over the Trinamool government opposing an National Investigation Agency probe into the Oct 2 blast in Burdwan in which Bangladeshi militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen is suspected to be involved.

The BJP leadership has been accusing the Trinamool of trying to cover up the blast probe to hide its links with Bangladeshi fundamentalist outfit Jamaat-e-Islami.

However, the NIA Oct 9 took over the probe following a directive by the union home ministry.

The feisty leader issued a stern warning asserting her tolerance should not be considered a weakness.

"While tolerance is praiseworthy, it should not be misunderstood as weakness. Sometimes, speech is silver, but silence is golden.

"I believe in fighting battle politically, not through character assassination. Even then, if someone wants to confront me, let them try," added Banerjee.