TMC lashes out at Centre after purported CBI message to leader

The Trinamool Congress on Sunday accused the Modi Government of “misusing” CBI for “vendetta politics” after its Lok Sabha leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay received a text message purportedly from CBI indicating that he may get a notice.

Bandyopadhyay received the text on his mobile seeking his email ID to send him a notice while he was seated beside Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a press conference where she criticised the Centre’s demonetisation move. Banerjee was infuriated after knowing about the message, according to a senior TMC leader.

“Respected Sir, please provide me your e mail address since we have to send one notice,” read the text message with the name of an CBI officer of Kolkata. However, it did not say as to what was the notice about 

“I received the text asking for my email ID. I had sent it them,” Bandyopadhyay said.

“We feel that this is nothing but vendetta politics. What is the meaning of this message to Sudip-da, just at the time when a press conference is on? Sudip-da is a very senior leader and Chairman of Railway Standing committee,” said the TMC leader, who did not wish to be named.

“It means that if you speak up against BJP, they will use CBI, ED to harass you. But BJP can’t stop TMC,” he said.

The party has given a notice in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the demonetisation issue suspending business hour on November 16.

“Saturday, Sunday, Monday are holidays. From November 16, the winter session of Parliament will begin and they are sending such texts via CBI. What notice will they send to Sudip-da? This is nothing but vendetta politics,” the TMC leader added.

The CBI refused to comment on the matter. Some TMC leaders have come under scanner in the Saradha and Rose Valley chitfund scams.