Mamata seeks opposition unity over BJP’s ‘misuse’ of central agencies

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to opposition leaders expressing “deep concern” over the ruling BJP’s “misuse” of central agencies to target opponents.

In a letter dated Sunday March 27, the Trinamool Congress leader said that the BJP government used central agencies to target political opponents “just when elections are around the corner”

“I urge that every one of us come together for a meeting to deliberate on the way forward at a place as per everyone’s convenience and suitability. The need of the hour is for all progressive forces in this country to come together and fight this oppressive force,” she wrote.

She called for a “unified and principled opposition” to make way for a government “that our country deserves”.

The letter emerged on a day her nephew, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, sought more time from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which had summoned him on Tuesday in a coal scam case.

“Central agencies such as the ED, CBI, Central Vigilance Commission and the Income Tax Department are being used to target, harass and corner political opponents across the country for vendetta,” Banerjee wrote.

“We all must resist the ruling BJP’s intention to misuse these central agencies with the sole intent of suppressing opposition leaders. Central agencies are jolted to action just when elections are round the corner.”

The CM said laws “bulldozed through” Parliament during an opposition walkout enabled the Centre to extend the tenure of the ED and CBI chiefs.

“I have the highest regards for the judiciary. But at present due to certain biased political interferences, people are not getting justice which is a dangerous trend in our democracy. In our democratic system, judiciary, media and public are important pillars. If any part is disrupted, the system collapses,” she said.

“As opposition parties, it is our constitutional responsibility to hold this government accountable for their actions, to resist the stifling og voices of defence,” Banerjee added.