Riots: West Bengal Guv Keshari Nath Tripathy "surprised" by Mamata's allegation

After communal riots singed a region of North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Tuesday over an “objectionable” post on Facebook, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday blasted the state's governor for what she called a "threat issued to her over phone on law and order situation."

However, in a statement issued the Governor's office clearly disinherited the claims and said: "There was nothing in the talks for which the Hon'able Chief Minister may have felt insulted, threatened and humiliated."

While Mamata Banerjee warned the religious leaders with strong action, she chose to take on Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi saying that she never felt so humiliated and at one point felt like quitting.

"He is a constitutional person nominated by the Centre. But he is speaking like a block president of the BJP. He disrespected me. I am telling the religious leaders that I have protected them but I will not tolerate if I am humiliated like this for their actions," said Banerjee at the same breath warning the perpetrators of the riots.

According to the statement, the Governor only asked the CM to ensure the peace and law and order of the state.

While Banerjee attacked the Governor for intruding into her jurisdiction, the latter responded soundly. "The Hon'able Governor cannot remain a mute spectator of the affairs of the state" the statement reads.

Banerjee said she was elected by the people and not functioning at the mercy of the Governor.

Arson and clashes occurred between members of two communities in Baduria in Basirhat sub-division of the district over the FB post. Police and paramilitary forces combatted the irate mobs.

Image of Keshari Nath Tripathy: Creative Commons.

Image of Mamata Banerjee: Official Facebook page of AITC.