NEW DELHI: With the CBI zeroing in on several Trinamool leaders in Saradha scam, the party hit back saying the BJP-led government was misusing the agency to target it. TMC MPs created a ruckus in both houses of the parliament, and even held protest outside the House.
As the Lok Sabha met, the TMC MPs were rushed to the Well, shouting slogans against the government, and even accusing the BJP chief for defaming the West Bengal government.
Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, TMC MP Saugata Roy said: “The CBI on the instigation of those in power and the president of the ruling party (BJP) has launched an assault on the West Bengal government and they are trying to subjugate the state government by arresting TMC leaders.
“We want to state that the CBI has to be removed from the control of the Prime Minister and given to the Lokpal. It is being used politically,” Roy added.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu was quick to object to TMC remarks against the government and his party chief. “He has made a comment about my party president. I totally condemn it. The second point is that a legal battle cannot be substituted by political battle.”
“If someone is aggrieved by legal action, there are other avenues available to them. The government does not believe in misusing the CBI. That regime (UPA) has gone which you were supporting earlier. Now, this government gives full freedom to the CBI. Be rest assured but at the same time, do not come to the rescue of the people who are tainted.”
Hitting out at the TMC, he said, “Don’t come to the rescue of people who are tainted or you will get a bad name.”
The TMC MPs later staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha. While, MPs were existing, MP Sultan Ahmed displayed a photograph purportedly showing Sahara group chief Subrata Roy shaking hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In the Rajya Sabha, Trinamool Congress MPs protested against the CBI’s alleged misuse. Derek O’Brien said the CBI was being used for political vendetta. Without naming anyone, he said the president of a political party was writing the script for the CBI.
The government was quick to counter the allegations. “There is no question of government or any political leader interfering,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said after the TMC raised the issue as soon as the House met for the day.
“The case is being monitored by the Supreme Court. The CBI acts independently in the case and reports to the Supreme Court. The government has nothing to do in the matter,” he said.