Kolkata: In an expected move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, distanced herself and her party Trinamool Congress from the ongoing SSC recruitment scam controversy that followed the arrests of industry minister Partha Chatterjee and his 'close' aide Arpita Mukherjee. The chief minister said that if anyone is found guilty, he or she can be life sentenced, but first, it has to be seen whether they are actually guilty or have been framed.
"Supporting corruption is neither my hobby nor my profession. Trinamool Congress does not tolerate thieves and robbers. People can make mistakes, but they should be given an opportunity to rectify themselves. I am saddened and shocked by the actions of some political parties," Mamata said during her speech at the Banga Bibhushan award ceremony at the Nazrul Mancha on Monday.
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It may be recalled that Rs 21 crore in cash and jewelry worth lakhs of rupees were recovered from the house of Arpita Mukherjee a few days ago. The names of Chatterjee and another 'close' associate Monalisa Das have come up, which made the ruling party extremely uncomfortable. Without naming the industry minister, who is already in ED custody, Mamata Banerjee said that she doesn't spare MLAs and ministers, but the media trial that is currently going on is 'not right.
While talking about the SSC recruitment scam, she said, "If someone commits wrong, let him be investigated. But she will not allow the agencies to break the government. I will not bow to threats," Mamata said. Mamata Banerjee also delinked herself from Arpita Mukherjee during her speech. "The woman (Arpita) is not affiliated with the party. I went to a pandal and what if there is a friend there?" Mamata said.
