Amit Shah is my 'Bhaiyya': Mamata Banerjee says in TV interview

In an interview to India Today's journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, Banerjee on being asked about oppositions' role in farmers' protest, said: "The farmers' movement does not have any political colour. The farmers are collectively fighting the battle. We are supporting them from outside. This is a new phenomenon and the Centre should appreciate."

Banerjee slammed the Union Home Minister for manipulating social media handles for spreading lies in a widespread manner.

"I have seen one writing of my friend Amit Shahji...my bhaiyya...that the BJP has the power and mechanism to even call someone a liar and spread it. Amit Shah said they have 15 lakh WhatsApp groups through which they can spread lies and rumours," the Bengal CM claimed.

"This means from the morning (Jan 26th morning) they have started spreading fake videos, fake WhatsApp images to discredit the farmers' movement. I don't agree with this," she told Sardesai.

"Now also I want to say that Modiji you are Prime Minister of the country so you must now forget that you are the leader of the BJP," said Banerjee in another attack to PM Narendra Modi.

Earlier, Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday blamed the central government for the violence that erupted in the national capital during the tractor rally by the protesting farmers against the three contentious farm laws.

A peasant had died and several policemen were injured as the tractor rally carried out by farmers in protest against the Centre's farm laws turned violent in the national capital earlier in the day.

In a tweet, Banerjee had said: "Deeply disturbed by worrying & painful developments that have unfolded on the streets of Delhi. Centre's insensitive attitude and indifference towards our farmer brothers & sisters has to be blamed for this situation."

Banerjee had said the casual attitude of the Centre towards the cause of the protesting farmers is responsible for the violence that erupted in the tractor rally.

"First, these laws were passed without taking farmers in confidence. And then despite protests across India & farmers camping near Delhi for last 2 months, they've been extremely casual in dealing with them. Centre should engage with the farmers & repeal the draconian laws," said the Bengal CM.

Violent clashes erupted on Tuesday when a section of farmers decided to enter Delhi to register their protest against the three contentious farm laws, much ahead of the time they were granted permission by the Delhi police.