Amit Shah Slams Mamata Government Over Kolkata Warehouse Fire Tragedy
Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a scathing critique of the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal during a BJP Karyakarta Sammelan held in Barrackpore, North 24 Parganas, on Saturday. The senior BJP leader accused the state administration of attempting to cover up the devastating Kolkata warehouse fire incident that has claimed at least 27 lives, with several individuals still reported missing.
Fire Tragedy: A Result of Corruption and Negligence
Addressing party workers, Shah asserted that the warehouse fire was not merely an unfortunate accident but a direct consequence of institutionalized corruption and criminal negligence under the TMC regime. He pointedly questioned why the owner of Wow Momo, a fast-food chain operating a unit at the warehouse, has not been arrested despite the tragic loss of life.
"The momo factory owner, who is he close to? With whom did he go abroad? Till now, why has the momo factory owner not been arrested?" Shah demanded, highlighting alleged political connections. He further contrasted the state government's response, noting, "After 32 hours, the fire minister visited the spot… There was no NOC, godowns were built on wetlands… Why was the godown locked? People were burnt alive."
Shah vowed that the BJP would investigate the matter thoroughly once it assumes power in the state after the upcoming April elections, promising justice for the victims and accountability from those responsible.
Infiltration Issue and Border Security Concerns
The Union Home Minister also raised the contentious issue of infiltration along the India-Bangladesh border, terming it a national security concern. He welcomed the recent Calcutta High Court order directing the state government to hand over land in nine districts to the Border Security Force by March 31 for fencing purposes.
"Mamata didi says the Centre has to do this (stop infiltration). We had said we are not being given land for the fencing… infiltrators are not stopped by her police, and here people make fake documents and send them all over the country," Shah stated, accusing the Chief Minister of lacking interest in curbing illegal immigration.
Expressing skepticism about the state government's compliance with the court order, Shah predicted, "I don't think that even after the high court's judgment, Mamata Banerjee will give land to the BSF. She won't give because those infiltrators are her vote bank." He assured that a future BJP government in West Bengal would complete the border fencing within 35 days of taking office.
Allegations of Corruption and Misuse of Funds
Shah launched a broadside against the TMC government over alleged financial irregularities, claiming that corruption has become deeply entrenched during Mamata Banerjee's tenure. He referenced scams worth thousands of crores and challenged the Chief Minister to deny election tickets to tainted leaders if she is genuinely committed to anti-corruption efforts.
The Union Minister also accused the state administration of diverting central funds intended for development projects. "The prime minister has given nearly Rs 10 lakh crore to Bengal and introduced new trains, but none of this has reached the villages. The money has gone into the hands of the TMC syndicate," he alleged, pledging to eradicate the "cut-money culture" under BJP rule.
Appeal to Voters and Election Promises
In his address, Shah reached out to key voter communities, particularly the Matua and Namasudra groups, reassuring them about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. "Mamata is scaring Matuas and Namasudras. I am saying that they need not be in fear; she cannot touch their votes," he asserted, emphasizing the BJP's commitment to removing infiltrators from the voter lists.
Shah concluded by positioning the BJP as the alternative for a transformed West Bengal, stating, "West Bengal has seen red and green governments. Now it is time to give an opportunity to the kesariya (saffron) BJP government for a secure, corruption-free, and developed Bengal." He framed the upcoming elections as a tribute to BJP workers who have lost their lives in political violence, promising improved governance and women's safety under a BJP administration.
