Kolkata: In a heated alternate of phrases, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday retaliated in opposition to BJP’s accusations of her state being a “safe haven” for terrorists. This verbal skirmish erupted after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) introduced the arrest of key suspects linked to the explosion at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram cafe final month. The NIA, in a immediate operation, apprehended the principle perpetrator, Mussavir Hussain Shazib, and his affiliate, Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa, from Kolkata. These people are suspected to have ties with an ISIS cell in Shivamogga, Karnataka. The swift motion of the NIA make clear the intricate community of terror operatives, sparking allegations from the BJP.
BJP’s Terror ‘Safe Haven’ Jibe
Amit Malviya, the top of BJP’s IT cell, wasted no time in accusing West Bengal of offering refuge to terrorists. He claimed that the state had reworked right into a sanctuary for such nefarious components beneath Mamata Banerjee’s governance. However, Banerjee vehemently refuted these claims, citing the profitable collaboration between the West Bengal Police and central intelligence companies in apprehending the suspects.
NIA detains two chief suspects within the Rameshwaram Cafe blast, bomber Mussavir Hussain Shazib and confederate Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa, from Kolkata. Both seemingly belong to ISIS cell in Shivamogga, Karnataka.
West Bengal, sadly, beneath Mamata Banerjee, has turn out to be a secure…
— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) April 12, 2024
Mamata Banerjee’s Counterattack
Addressing a rally in Cooch Behar, Banerjee vehemently defended her state’s integrity. She highlighted the truth that the accused had been swiftly captured inside two hours of their arrival in Bengal, emphasizing the proactive stance of the state’s regulation enforcement companies. (*2*) she mentioned.
Social Media Spat And Political Fallout
The confrontation spilt onto social media platforms, with each events utilizing digital platforms to say their narratives. The West Bengal Police took to social media to refute Malviya’s claims, asserting the state’s dedication to combating terrorism. Meanwhile, the BJP reiterated its stance, accusing Banerjee’s administration of fostering an atmosphere conducive to legal actions. “Contrary to the claims made by @amitmalviya, the fact is that, two suspects in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case have been arrested from Purba Medinipur in a JOINT operation by the West Bengal Police and the Central Intelligence Agencies,” West Bengal Police mentioned on X.
Falsehood at its worst!
Contrary to the claims made by @amitmalviya, the actual fact is that, two suspects within the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case have been arrested from Purba Medinipur in a JOINT operation by the West Bengal Police and the Central Intelligence Agencies. (1/2)
— West Bengal Police (@WBPolice) April 12, 2024
“The proactive role of WBP in the matter has been officially acknowledged by the Central Agencies. West Bengal has NEVER been a safe haven for terrorists and the state police will continue to remain ever-vigilant in keeping its people safe from nefarious activities,” the state police additional mentioned.
The proactive position of WBP within the matter has been formally acknowledged by the Central Agencies.
West Bengal has NEVER been a secure haven for terrorists and the state police will proceed to stay ever-vigilant in protecting its individuals secure from nefarious actions. (2/2)
— West Bengal Police (@WBPolice) April 12, 2024
BJP Vs TMC: Past Controversies
The alternate between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP resurrected echoes of previous controversies. While attacking the TMC regime, BJP cited Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim’s reference to Kolkata’s Garden Reach space as “mini-Pakistan” whereas talking to a Pakistani every day in 2016. The saffron occasion mentioned, “Bobby Hakim’s chilling comparison to ‘mini Pakistan’ finds validation as Mamata Banerjee’s leniency emboldens criminals. The time for decisive action against this culture of impunity is now!”
The BJP seized upon this reference to underscore its claims of deteriorating regulation and order scenario in West Bengal beneath Mamata Banerjee’s management.