Graft unites Opposition in Calcutta: Modi, Shah

Amit Shah and other BJP leaders at the meeting in Aligarh on Wednesday. (PTI) 

TT, Calcutta: Narendra Modi and Amit Shah on Wednesday attacked Mamata Banerjee and others in the national Opposition, accusing them of being driven by corruption to take a stand against the BJP and uniting forces to oust the party from the Centre, prompting stern reactions from Trinamul. In a Facebook post from his verified account, Prime Minister Modi levelled the graft allegation, vowing not to rest until the "corrupt" are brought to book. 

"My battle against corruption has ruffled many feathers, including TMC. So, they all assembled in Kolkata and collectively abused me," read the post. It was not clear whether Modi was referring to Mamata's January 19 United India rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds ­ attended by most major players in the national Opposition ­ or her 70 hour Save India dharna at Esplanade, which drew support from across the country, including from NDA constituent Shiv Sena. "They got together to save their own families and hide their corruption. I will not rest till the corrupt are punished," the post added.

Mamata has been repeatedly alleging that the BJP-led Centre has intensified the misuse of central agencies against her and others in the Opposition since the January 19 event, because it has "robbed Modi of sleep", given its significance and likely impact on the general elections.

Also on Wednesday, BJP chief Shah brought up Mamata's Save India dharna in an Uttar Pradesh rally, to accuse her of trying to defend Calcutta Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar because she was apprehensive of his divulging information on alleged scams to the CBI.

"Those who have cheated lakhs and lakhs of poor people, why these efforts to shield them? Why so much fear, Mamatadidi?" asked Shah.

"There is only one fear, if this officer goes in, he will divulge information. He will give out names on scams," he added.

This was the first instance of Shah speaking in public on the 70-hour dharna, which ended on Tuesday evening, although others in his party have repeatedly been attacking Mamata and those in the Opposition who have supported her stand on the Kumar issue.

Shah also accused Mamata of repeatedly trying to stop the surge of his party in Bengal, attacking her over her administration's denial of permission and clearance to the BJP for its programmes in the state.

"If Mamata Banerjee thinks that by denying permission to the BJP to hold programmes in Bengal, she will be able to stop us from forming the government there, then she should clearly listen, BJP workers will demolish Trinamul Congress," he said.

"The BJP will win 23 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal," he added.

Responding to the attacks, Trinamul said the Modi-Shah duopoly was acting out of alleged desperation, knowing the "end is near".