Mamata ties budget to Puja

TT, Calcutta, Jan. 21: Mamata Banerjee today tried giving the BJP a taste of its own medicine by demanding that the Union budget be shifted because of Saraswati Puja.

In a statement issued on Twitter tonight, the Trinamul Congress chief questioned the Centre's decision to present the budget on February 1.

"February 1 is Saraswati Puja. This special day for the goddess of learning is a big day celebrated in schools, colleges, homes, clubs," she said.

"Why don't we celebrate Saraswati Puja in a big way instead of presenting Union Budget on February 1. Do Saraswati bandana (worship) and not YOUR (sic) bandana," she added.

The statement comes against the backdrop of repeated attacks by the BJP accusing Mamata of appeasement of minorities.

"We worship Ma Saraswati and celebrate in a special way in every school, college, university, home. Everywhere. February 1 is a state government holiday," Mamata wrote.

The BJP retorted that "the suggestion that the Union budget will get in the way of Saraswati Puja is laughable".