Never allowed corruption, says Mamata Banerjee

By Our Special Correspondent

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke her silence on Monday, two days after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested trinomial Congress heavyweight and Commerce and Industry Minister Partha Chatterjee for alleged recruitment irregularities in state schools. Activities and it doesn't matter to her if someone goes to jail for life.

Money was found in someone's residence. I don't know who is in a relationship with whom. Let the face come out. "I have no objection if someone is convicted on corruption charges and given life imprisonment," Mamata said at the Banga Bibhushan state award function without mentioning Chatterjee's name.

Not everyone is 100 percent correct. But I will never allow corruption and irregularities in my knowledge. The truth must come out. "I don't care if the truth finds the corrupt person and puts him behind bars for life," she said.

Referring to Mamata's comments, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said that she was appalled by Chatterjee's arrest.

TMC sources said Mamata's comment on Chatterjee's arrest two days ago and seizure of Rs 2.19 crore cash from his close friend Arpita Mukherjee's house was the party's first step to disown the former state education minister. The Chief Minister and her nephew are believed to be in third place after Abhishek Banerjee.

Referring to the criticism of the opposition parties on this issue, Mamata said that she was hurt by the way her political opponents attacked her. I will not allow them to splash ink on my image. I have enough tar in my stack and if I start sprinkling it, the BJP washing machine will not clean it, she said.

After Chatterjee's arrest, TMC's reactionary party indicated that it was not responsible. Soon after the ED's action, the party said that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty in court.

But within 24 hours, the party distanced itself from Chatterjee saying that if the court accepts the evidence presented by the ED during the trial, strict action will be taken.

Mamata's comment on Monday was a clear indication of Chatterjee's denial, as TMC sources said Chatterjee approached her four times when the ED asked him if he wanted to contact a relative or friend after his arrest.

The central agency said in the arrest memo that Chatterjee wanted to contact the Bengal CM, but could not.