BJP seeks governor's intervention over Bengal encephalitis deaths

Attacking the Mamata Banerjee government over rising encephalitis deaths in West Bengal, the BJP Saturday sought the intervention of the state governor in the matter.

State Bharatiya Janata Party president Rahul Sinha, who met governor K.N. Tripathi Saturday, accused the Banerjee regime of preferring politics over human life due to its unwillingness to seek central assistance to combat the disease which has so far claimed over 110 lives in the state.

"The centre has adequate wherewithal to deal with encephalitis, which has acquired epidemic proportions. People are dying but this government prefers to play politics of prestige by not seeking central assistance," Sinha told mediapersons after his meeting with Tripathi.

Concerned over the rising deaths, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had last month written to Banerjee offering help from the central government.

Sinha also demanded that Banerjee, who holds the health portfolio, should step down owning moral responsibility.

He also demanded that the state government pay a compensation of Rs.10 lakh to the kin of the deceased and two lakh rupees to those suffering from the disease.