Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asserted on Tuesday that the West Bengal authorities is totally apprised of the whereabouts of absconding TMC chief Shajahan Sheikh of Sandeshkhali. Sitharaman alleged that the ruling social gathering had foreseen Sheikh’s arrest inside seven days, information company PTI reported.
Talking at a program, she criticised the state administration’s dealing with of regulation and order, notably in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, citing cases of crimes and sexual abuse. She expressed dismay over the delay in apprehending the offender, stating, “My physique shakes as I discuss Sandeshkhali and its crimes”, as quoted by PTI.
Sitharaman additional emphasised the distinction within the dealing with of violence incidents in numerous states, declaring the swift motion taken in Manipur. Referring to the continuing unrest in Sandeshkhali, she highlighted the reassurance given by TMC leaders relating to Sheikh’s imminent arrest, insinuating that the federal government’s confidence implied information of his location.
Sheikh has been on the run since a mob attacked Enforcement Directorate officers throughout a raid at his residence in reference to an alleged ration rip-off on January 5. Sitharaman additional accused the Trinamool Congress of politicising central authorities schemes to the detriment of the poor, citing problems with corruption and poor regulation and order beneath TMC rule, as reported by PTI.
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TMC Slams Sitharaman’s Allegations As Baseless
Responding to Sitharaman’s allegations, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh dismissed her claims as baseless, asserting that she spoke extra like a BJP chief than a finance minister. Ghosh accused the Centre of withholding dues amounting to Rs 1.18 lakh crores owed to the state, emphasising the federal government’s dedication to clearing the MGNREGA dues regardless of alleged obstruction from the Centre. He criticised the BJP for trying to divert consideration from its personal failures by making such accusations.
The difficulty of withheld dues has been a contentious political matter in West Bengal, with the TMC constantly accusing the Centre of imposing a monetary blockade on the state.