If image is proof, PM should be arrested: Mamata

Rejecting the demand for sacking Transport Minister Madan Mitra arrested in Saradha scam case, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today stepped up her attack on Narendra Modi saying "if image is a proof of criminal conspiracy, then the Prime Minister should be arrested for Sahara scam."

Appparently referring to photos of Mitra sharing the dais with Saradha Group chairman Sudipata Sen, who is now in judicial custody in connection with the scam, at a function, Banerjee said "if an image is a proof of criminal conspiracy, then the PM should be arrested for Sahara scam.

"There are photos of several CPI-M leaders with chit fund owners. There are photos of the PM with the Sahara chief. Should we demand that CBI arrest PM Narendra Modi? Banerjee told a rally of TMC workers here.

She said she would not fire Mitra as minister in the wake of his arrest and added that for the time being she will oversee the departments held by him.

Banerjee said Trinamool MPs would stage protests in parliament from Monday against the arrest of Mitra.

She charged CBI's image has been "dented" and it has been turned into a "political tool."

"CBI has lost all credentials. It has become His Master's Voice. CBI has become a political tool. It is time to wind it up. TMC MPs will protest in Parliament from Monday (December 15) against BJP's politics of vendetta," she charged.

"Stay within your limits or face the music," she warned BJP and the Centre and added "people of Bengal will not tolerate insult. They (BJP) are arrogant because they are in power."

In keeping with her street-fighter image, Banerjee hit the road along with thousands of partymen, including ministers and several sportspersons in a protest march against the arrest.

Banerjee defended Mitra and said "I do not believe that Madan is a thief or dacoit. His family pecuniary condition is not such that he had to take this money (from Saradha ponzi group) to sustain his family.