November 06, 2024 01:16 (IST)
Kolkata flyover collapse : BJP says act of fraud, demands CBI probe
Kolkata, Apr 1 (IBNS) A day after the horrific flyover collapse that killed at least 23 people in north Kolkata, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday alleged that the tragedy was caused by an "act of fraud protected by the West Bengal government" and demanded a CBI probe into the incident.
Addressing a press conference, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the project was initiated during Left regime when the scam started and it was continued by the Trinamool.
"The corruption nexus of the Left Front and the Trinamool has been exposed," he said.
"It's a clear case of corruption. A blacklisted company was given the contract, and it kept enjoying protection first from the Left and then from the TMC."
"The company says the tragedy is act of god. Actually it is act of fraud, fraud protected by the TMC government.
"The project reeks of massive corruption... We demand a CBI probe," Naqvi said.
The flyover's foundation was laid in 2008 and work began in February 2009 when the Left Front was in power in the state.
"It's a clear case of corruption. A blacklisted company was given the contract, and it kept enjoying protection first from the Left and then from the TMC."
"The company says the tragedy is act of god. Actually it is act of fraud, fraud protected by the TMC government.
"The project reeks of massive corruption... We demand a CBI probe," Naqvi said.
The flyover's foundation was laid in 2008 and work began in February 2009 when the Left Front was in power in the state.
The BJP leader also accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of dealing with the tragedy with a "casual approach, which is rather a criminal negligence."
"The government neither bothered to inform the centre nor did it seek any help. The centre on its own sent rescue teams," he said.
"The way Mamata Banerjee sat on a 'dharna' at the site instead of allowing relief and rescue work is very unfortunate. How can she treat a massive human tragedy in such a non-serious way?" Naqvi asked.
Trinamool Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien said: "The BJP minister's statement reeks of cheap politics in election season. The army came at the state's request. The army belongs to the nation, not the BJP."
"The way Mamata Banerjee sat on a 'dharna' at the site instead of allowing relief and rescue work is very unfortunate. How can she treat a massive human tragedy in such a non-serious way?" Naqvi asked.
Trinamool Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien said: "The BJP minister's statement reeks of cheap politics in election season. The army came at the state's request. The army belongs to the nation, not the BJP."
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