Those questioning law and order situation trying to malign West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee. File Photo

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that those questioning West Bengal's law and order situation in the backdrop of the attack on Enforcement Department (ED) officers were trying to malign the state, reported news agency PTI.

Mamata Banerjee asserted that Kolkata has been adjudged the country's safest city for years as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), reported PTI.

"I am not bothered about criticisms against me. But, I will protest if anyone tries to malign the state. Those questioning the law and order situation are trying to malign the state," she said, addressing the 'Students' Week' programme, reported PTI.

Three ED officers were injured and several of their vehicles vandalised as hundreds of supporters of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh attacked them on Friday. The attack happened when the ED team went to Sheikh's house in Sandeshkhali for a raid in connection with alleged irregularities in the state's ration system.

Meanwhile, senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday emphasised that the party was united under the leadership of supremo Mamata Banerjee and asserted there was no difference between the old guard and the new generation, amid reports of an internal feud within the party, reported PTI.

The TMC national general secretary, who is also Mamata Banerjee's nephew, dismissed allegations that he intended to become inactive within the party, labelling such reports as "wrong and baseless", reported PTI.

"In the last few days, there have been reports of differences between the old and new members of the party. However, I want to emphasise that the party remains united under the leadership of our supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee," he said during a programme in Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, reported PTI.

The Diamond Harbour MP clarified there were "no differences between the old guard and the new generation in the TMC", asserting the party's collective commitment towards working cohesively for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, reported PTI.

Dismissing claims that he was planning to step back from party activities, Abhishek Banerjee affirmed, "Media reports suggesting that I have decided to become inactive in the party are baseless. Yes, with the Lok Sabha elections approaching, I have responsibilities to campaign in my constituency, but that doesn't mean I won't contribute to the party if assigned any task."

"If my party supremo Mamata Banerjee gives me a responsibility, I will work towards it," he added, reported PTI.

His remarks come amidst veteran and youth leaders exchanging swipes over the future leadership of the party.

The recent controversy emerged after the CM advocated giving due respect to senior members and refuted assertions that old leaders should retire from active politics.

(With inputs from PTI)