Union Home Minister Amit Shah Accuses Trinamool of Corruption in Nazirabad Fire Tragedy
In a significant political development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has categorically stated that the devastating Nazirabad fire tragedy was not an accident but a direct consequence of corruption within the Trinamool Congress. Shah made these serious allegations during a workers' meeting held in Barrackpore on Saturday, intensifying the political rhetoric ahead of the upcoming elections in West Bengal.
Shah's Allegations and BJP's Promises for Bengal
The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader asserted that if the BJP is voted to office in Bengal, they would initiate a thorough investigation into each corruption case under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court. Shah specifically pointed out that the factories involved in the fire incident lacked proper environmental clearance and were illegally constructed on wetlands, which he claimed was a clear indication of regulatory negligence and corruption.
"Had anyone closed the factory gate when people were shouting inside? After a BJP government is formed here in April, we will find out the culprits and put them behind bars," Shah declared during his address, emphasizing his party's commitment to accountability and justice for the victims.
Questioning Trinamool's Links and Political Motives
The Home Minister went further to question the Trinamool Congress's connections with the momo chain whose warehouse was one of the two structures gutted in the Nazirabad fire that claimed at least 27 lives. "Why did this happen? Who had invested in the momo factory? I demand a proper investigation," Shah stated, suggesting possible financial interests behind the tragedy.
Shah also criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's response to the incident, alleging that she would have reacted differently if the fire victims were infiltrators. "She should be ashamed of playing vote-bank politics. When our party workers tried to protest, cops beat them up," he claimed, highlighting what he described as political bias in the administration's handling of the situation.
Trinamool Congress's Counterattack and Political Rebuttal
In response to Shah's allegations, Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a strong counterattack, reminding the BJP of recent tragedies in other BJP-ruled states. He pointed to the Goa nightclub blaze that occurred just a month ago and the Indore water contamination deaths, questioning whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be held equally responsible for those incidents.
"When you point one finger at someone, three fingers will point back at you," Abhishek Banerjee remarked, suggesting that the BJP should examine its own record before making accusations against others.
Addressing Allegations of Political Connections
The Trinamool leader specifically addressed Shah's allegations regarding the momo chain's connections, drawing parallels with the BJP's own associations. "Those politicizing the incident because an industrialist accompanied the CM as part of an overseas delegation should explain PM Modi's connection with Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi," he stated, referring to the businessmen accused of fleeing the country with substantial funds.
Abhishek Banerjee further argued that if Mamata Banerjee is to be held responsible for the deaths in Anandapur, then the Prime Minister and Home Minister should equally be accountable for deaths related to policies like SIR and demonetization. He emphasized that political battles should be fought on development issues rather than through divisive rhetoric.
The exchange between the two major political parties highlights the intense political climate in West Bengal as elections approach, with both sides trading serious allegations and counter-allegations regarding governance, accountability, and responsibility for tragic incidents affecting citizens.
