Mamata says Sudip arrested for protest

BIRESWAR BANERJEE, TT, Sukna, Jan. 25: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee today trained her guns at the Centre and said Trinamul MP Sudip Bandopadhyay was arrested by the CBI for protesting against demonetisation.

Mamata, who spoke to newspersons before leaving for Calcutta after her four-day visit, said: "... Keu prrotibaad korte gele, tar gonotantrik odhikar kere niye jail e dhukiye dewa hochche. Sudip Bandopadhyay er kono oporadh chhilona (if anybody raises protests on demonetisation, his democratic rights are snatched and he is pushed into jail. Sudip Bandopadhyay did no wrong)."

On January 3, Sudip had gone to the CBI office in Calcutta after he was called in connection with the Rose Valley group's fund collection scam. He was arrested the same day.

Mamata, who spoke against demonetisation, again demanded that the Centre revoke the restriction on withdrawal of cash from banks.

"We congratulate people on the eve of Republic Day but this is the first time when we have found that lack of financial independence due to the central government's decision of demonetisation has affected the political and democratic rights of people across the country. People cannot withdraw their own money. If a person does not have financial independence, he cannot achieve political freedom and complete democracy. This situation has left common residents worried and in huge inconvenience. This has happened in the country for the first time," Mamata said.

"I would request (the Centre) today to withdraw the restriction so that people who have their own money in banks can use it according to their need. No restriction can be imposed on taxpayers' money. The Centre sought 50 days but two-and-a-half months have already passed," she said.

"On one hand, people's money is being snatched, and on the other hand, the same money is used to make political publicity. This cannot be tolerated. People will not tolerate such acts," she said.

Mamata also alleged that many people who were involved in scams and had made crores are roaming freely as they are "protected" by the BJP.

"Those who made crores of rupees by illegal activities are roaming freely. They are maintaining good relations with BJP leaders and are being clandestinely protected by the party. No steps are being taken against them. We will, however, not stop and continue to organise our movements against such anti-people moves of the Centre," Mamata said.