KOLKATA: Opposition parties in West Bengal today alleged that the inquiry into Narada sting operation ordered by the state government is a "gimmick" to save the "real" culprits.
"How can a state government order inquiry into the matter (Narada sting) when it is sub-judice ? It is completely illegal. The state is holding this inquiry to hush up the case and save the real culprits," CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty alleged.
"This inquiry is actually being done to cover-up the case and remove evidences. If the state is so honest about this inquiry why didn't it order an inquiry when the matter first came up ?" he asked.
Despite the matter being sub-judice, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Friday ordered a porbe by Kolkata police into Narada sting operation, in which several Trinamool Congress leaders were purportedly shown accepting money for consideration.
Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of trying to fool the people by forming the inquiry committee.
"Earlier, in the case of Saradha scam we had seen that she had formed a SIT on similar lines to save the culprits, who were later arrested by CBI. In Narada case too the Chief Minister is doing the same. But she can't fool the masses all the time," Mannan said.
Criticising the "dual standards" of TMC, state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said, "In 2001, TMC had demanded resignation of George Fernandez and Bangaru Laxman after the Tehelka sting. But now when they themselves are at the receiving end, they are questioning the credibility of sting operations. There can't be two rules. Rule has to be one and equal for all."
The TMC leadership has welcomed the state's decision and said it wants the truth to come out.