In response to violence in Birbhum, the governor makes "unwarranted" statements, says Mamata Banerjee
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The Governor of Bengal, Jagdeep Dhankhar, offered a new confrontation between him and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during his remarks today regarding violence in Birbhum district, which claimed eight lives. "Your statements have political overtones in support of other political parties to browbeat the Bengal government," Ms Banerjee wrote in a letter to the Governor in which she accused him of making "unwarranted statements".
Mr Dhankhar condemned the violence, saying human rights have been decimated and the rule of law has been thrown into disarray.
As he noted in a video message on his official Twitter account, the violence was a "horrifying act of violence and arson" that he has sought an update from the state's chief secretary.
Horrifying violence and arson orgy #Rampurhat #Birbhum indicates state is in grip of violence culture and lawlessness. Already eight lives lost.
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) March 22, 2022
Have sought urgent update on the incident from Chief Secretary.
My thoughts are with the families of the bereaved. pic.twitter.com/vtI6tRJcBX
"This is indicative of nosediving of law and order in the state," he said, adding that the state can't be allowed to become synonymous with a culture of violence and lawlessness.
As a swipe at the state government, he said the administration must rise above partisan interests and this was not being reflected in reality.
Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Governor shortly thereafter, in which she criticized his comments as highly unfortunate and unbecoming of someone holding such a dignified constitutional post.
"Your utterances and statements have political overtones which provide support to other political parties to browbeat the government," she added.
A fire broke out in their house during the night near Rampurhat in Birbhum, killing eight people. The incident occurred just days after the alleged assassination of a Panchayat leader of the Trinamool Congress, Bhadu Sheikh.
A team of investigators has been established to investigate the violence so far, the state police said. Eleven people have been arrested so far.
Two police officers have been removed from the local force -- the SDO and CI of Rampurhat.
Two dozen BJP legislators walked out of the state assembly, and party leader Suvendu Adhikari asked the Centre for intervention in a series of tweets.
Trinamool Congress sources confirm that a two-member delegation led by state minister Firhad Hakim has left for Rampurhat.