Kolkata: The troubles surrounding Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee appear to be deepening rather than easing. On Thursday, a CID team once again arrived at his residence. The agency had earlier grilled him for several hours, and he has now been served a notice to appear again on June 14. The CID's activity has intensified at a time when Abhishek Banerjee is already caught up in a string of controversies and investigations. A case had also been registered against him over a remark made during the election campaign.
FIR Over Poll Remark, Abhishek Raises Questions
At a campaign rally, Abhishek Banerjee had said that once the results were declared on May 4, DJs would play across Bengal and those jumping around too much would be taught a lesson. An FIR was lodged against him over this comment on the directions of the Election Commission. It is in connection with this case that the CID sent him a notice for questioning. Appearing before the media for the first time on the issue, Abhishek Banerjee put both the BJP and the Election Commission in the dock.
'Why No Action Against Amit Shah?'
The TMC leader argued that at the time he made the statement, Bengal's law and order was under the control of the Election Commission, which is why action was taken against him. Abhishek pointed out that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also used words to the effect of 'hanging Trinamool Congress workers upside down to set them straight'. He asked that if a case could be filed against him, why no action was taken against Shah. Naming Election Commission chief Gyanesh Kumar, he questioned whether the Commission could only hear the statements of TMC leaders.
Lengthy Grilling in Forged Signatures Case Too
In the case of the alleged forged signatures of MLAs as well, the CID questioned Abhishek Banerjee for around 5 and a half hours on Wednesday. The investigating agency has summoned him again on June 14 in the same matter. With one investigation and round of questioning following another, talk about Abhishek Banerjee is buzzing through political circles.
'Kalyan Banerjee Has Every Right to Scold Me'
Kalyan Banerjee has declined to argue Abhishek Banerjee's case. Against this backdrop, Abhishek sought to portray his relationship with him as normal. Speaking to the media, Abhishek Banerjee said he had not taken Kalyan Banerjee's criticism to heart. He said Kalyan Banerjee is older than him, a senior leader, and someone he has known since childhood. Abhishek said Kalyan Banerjee has every right to scold him. He harbours no resentment or anger towards Kalyan Banerjee and will always respect him.
Rivals Hit Back, Several Questions Raised
His opponents, however, are questioning this explanation by Abhishek Banerjee. They ask that if he truly respects Kalyan Banerjee so much, then who called his son in the middle of the night. It is also being asked who removed Kalyan Banerjee from the cases he was arguing and who made his junior lawyer Abhishek's representative. Rivals further allege that several MPs and MLAs who have quit the TMC had also accused Abhishek Banerjee of humiliating them.
