Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 18: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday came down heavily on her West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee over the recent communal violence in Murshidabad, terming it ‘shameful’ and a ‘blot’ on her governance.

In an exclusive interview, CM Gupta accused Mamata Banerjee of fanning communal tensions. “The way West Bengal Chief Minister is herself involved in causing a wedge among people is deplorable,” she said, adding that the unrest reflects poorly on Banerjee’s leadership.

Expressing concern over the plight of Hindu families in the violence-hit Murshidabad district, Gupta said, “Such atrocities are taking place against Hindus that they are forced to flee their homes. There can be nothing more shameful for a state, especially under a woman Chief minister.”

Her comments came as the Calcutta High Court ordered the formation of a committee to assess the situation in the region, where three deaths linked to the violence have been reported so far.
Turning her focus to her predecessor, former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Gupta accused him of political hypocrisy. “He is a master in the politics of opportunism. He speaks only when it suits him,” she said, questioning his silence over ED raids against Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

She further alleged that Kejriwal makes lofty promises while indulging in alliances with “tainted people,” adding, “He swears by his children and yet continues with wrongdoings.”

Dismissing Kejriwal’s repeated claims that officials were obstructing his government’s work, Gupta said, “Officials want to work. It all depends on the intent of the government’s head. The same set of officers is working with us now, and we are moving forward.”

She concluded by saying that both the Lieutenant Governor and the Centre were open to cooperation, but Kejriwal “chose to blame others instead of working constructively.”