Amit Shah, Mamata Banerjee spar over death of BJP worker’s mother

A war of words broke out between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the death of an 85-year-old woman, the mother of a BJP worker, following an alleged assault by Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadres. The deceased Shova Majumdar passed away at her residence at Nimta in North 24 Paraganas district late night on Sunday.

The TMC, however, has denied the allegation.

Alleging that Majumdar was brutally beaten by the TMC cadres, Shah said that the grief of her family will haunt the TMC supremo for long. “Anguished over the demise of Bengal’s daughter Shova Majumdar ji, who was brutally beaten by TMC goons. The pain & wounds of her family will haunt Mamata didi for long. Bengal will fight for a violence-free tomorrow, Bengal will fight for a safer state for our sisters & mothers,” tweeted Shah.

Union Minister and BJP leader Debasree Chaudhuri said that Majumdar sustained grievous injuries during an attack on her house by TMC cadres on February 27 and was hospitalised for 27 days. “We want a CBI investigation into the incident,” said Chaudhury.

Lashing out at Shah for his remarks, the TMC supremo said that he remained silent when women were brutally tortured to death in Uttar Pradesh. She further alleged that the BJP was trying to politicise the issue. “I don’t know how she died? We don’t support any violence against women. But the BJP is politicising the issue. Amit Shah tweeted ‘Bengal ka keya haal hey’ ( what condition Bengal is in). Why does he remain silent when women are brutalised and murdered in Uttar Pradesh,” said Mamata.

Also read — Why was Amit Shah mum when Hathras took place: Mamata on death of elderly woman

Addressing a rally in Nandigram, she further alleged that three TMC workers were killed in the last few days.

TMC MP and spokesperson Derek O’Brien accused Shah of spreading misinformation while the incident is under investigation. “The death of Shova Majumdar is a tragedy. What is totally unfortunate though is the Home Min peddling a narrative when the incident is under investigation. He heads a Police Force & multiple Central Agencies. Shouldn’t he show some respect to the investigative process of India,” tweeted O’Brien.

Describing the incident as “unfortunate” TMC MP Sougata Roy said that his party workers were not involved in the incident by any means.