Kolkata: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee's 'controversial statement' equating Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with a 'venomous snake' for her handling of the economy, drew a sharp reaction from the BJP which said Mamata Banerjee has lost control over her party leaders who are 'uttering nonsense' out of frustration.
Addressing a protest rally at Bankura against rising fuel prices and the proposed privatisation of trains on Saturday, Kalyan Banerjee demanded Sitharaman's resignation.
"Just like a venomous snake kills a human being, people of the country are dying one by one owing to Nirmala Sitharaman, who has shattered the country's economy," he said.
The TMC Lok Sabha member also called her "the worst finance minister" in the world.
The BJP reacted strongly to his comments, with state party president Dilip Ghosh claiming West Bengal chief minister and TMC boss Mamata Banerjee has lost grip over her party leaders.