BJP vindictive, says Trinamool on Bengal minister's arrest

The Trinamool Congress Friday termed the arrest of West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra as "politically motivated", and hit out at the BJP for resorting to politics of "vindictiveness".

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday arrested Trinamool leader Mitra in connection with the multi-crore-rupee Saradha chit fund scam.

"Even before (BJP president) Amit Shah came to Kolkata, it was decided that the CBI would arrest Madan Mitra. This arrest is politically motivated. The BJP is doing politics of vindictiveness," said Trinamool leader Subrata Mukherjee.

Mitra was arrested on prima facie evidence of criminal conspiracy, cheating and misappropriation as well as deriving undue financial benefits from the Saradha group, according to a CBI spokesperson.

Mukherjee said Trinamool was mulling introduction of a privilege motion to counter the politics of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"We are exploring all options. We may bring a privilege motion.

"How can the government and assembly speaker be kept in the dark before arresting a cabinet minister?" Mukherjee questioned.

Education Minister Partha Chatterjee later announced a rally Saturday with sportspersons to protest the arrest.