BJP responsible for COVID surge in Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday said that she will call upon the Election Commission to stop the BJP from bringing “outsiders” during campaigning, squarely blaming the saffron party for exacerbating the COVID-19 situation in the poll-bound state.

Trinamool Congress chief during a public meeting in Nadia, said the BJP brought people from “worst-hit” states like Gujarat for erecting marquees for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s poll rallies.

“We have nothing to say if the PM or other leaders come for campaigning… Why should the BJP bring people from worst-affected states to set up podiums and pandals for rallies,” she said.

Out of the eight-phase assembly elections in the state, four phases have been completed and the remaining four are scheduled to be held between April 17 and 29.

“TMC’s position is clear, we want remaining elections to be held in one phase. I request BJP to make their position clear. Do they agree with us that politics is a second priority, first is handling the COVID19 pandemic?,” said TMC leader Derek O’Brien