NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Bengal assembly Ritabrata Banerjee on Friday hit back at Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee over his warning to police officers in West Bengal. He called him arrogant and urged the state government to register a suo motu case over his remarks.He also challenged Abhishek to walk alone to the Kali Mata temple without security, questioning his claim that he enjoyed the protection of the people.“The lower the level of education, the higher the level of arrogance. This individual has only passed Class 12—he is a “Class 12-pass” member of this “chartered mafia.” That is why his arrogance is so extreme,” Ritabrata said.He accused Abhishek of threatening police personnel and officers despite the people having voted for a change of government. “The people have changed the government; the public gave their mandate against us. Yet, there is no shortage of arrogance. The way he was speaking—he was threatening police personnel and officers,” he said.Ritabrata also questioned Abhishek’s decision to seek security after previously claiming that he did not need it. Referring to an alleged incident in which Abhishek was beaten for being a thief, he said the TMC leader had earlier maintained that he had the “security of the people”.“Diamond Harbour is quite far away, but let him try stepping out of his home alone and walking to the Kali Mata temple. He should at least try doing that,” Ritabrata said.He further claimed that Abhishek had approached the court seeking full-fledged security, despite previously saying that he needed no protection.“I urge the state government to register a suo motu case and take cognisance of the matter. The state government must take action,” he added.The remarks came a day after Abhishek warned police officers allegedly targeting TMC workers that they would face consequences if his party returned to power. He said he was maintaining a list of officers who were acting at the behest of West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari.
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“I am keeping a list of names. None will be spared once the government changes,” Abhishek had said.He accused police officers of implicating thousands of TMC workers in false cases to secure favourable postings. He also alleged that an IPS officer in Paschim Medinipur had targeted party workers despite earlier congratulating him on the TMC’s expected electoral victory.The exchange comes amid a political confrontation between the BJP and the TMC following the arrest of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen over alleged financial irregularities linked to Durga Puja preview shows and the sale of passes.Suvendu has alleged that Sen may not have been the only beneficiary of the suspected irregularities, suggesting that the investigation could reach senior political figures, including former chief minister Mamata Banerjee. He has maintained that the law would take its course irrespective of the influence of those under investigation.
