Mamata security row: TMC cries 'super emergency', BJP denies house arrest claim
Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday accused the central government of placing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee under virtual house arrest by withdrawing her security personnel, calling the situation a 'super emergency'. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
TMC leaders, including senior minister Firhad Hakim, claimed that Banerjee's security cover was drastically reduced without prior notice, preventing her from moving freely. 'Have they house arrested her? This is a super emergency,' Hakim said, demanding immediate restoration of full security.
The controversy erupted after Banerjee's scheduled visit to a flood-affected area was reportedly cancelled due to lack of adequate security arrangements. The TMC alleges that the central government, which controls the Special Protection Group (SPG) and other security agencies, deliberately curtailed her security protocol to harass her.
In response, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar said the claims were 'completely false' and accused the TMC of creating a distraction. 'The security of the chief minister is provided as per threat assessment and standard procedures. There is no question of any house arrest,' Majumdar said, adding that the TMC should focus on governance rather than playing victim.
Experts note that security for state chief ministers is a joint responsibility of the state and central governments. While the state police provides local security, the central government deploys elite forces like the SPG or National Security Guard (NSG) based on threat perception. Any reduction in security could follow a review by intelligence agencies.
The incident highlights the ongoing political tension between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal, worsened by the recent assembly elections. Banerjee has previously accused the central government of using central agencies to target her political opponents. The BJP counters that Banerjee is avoiding scrutiny.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the Union Home Ministry about any change in Banerjee's security cover. The TMC has announced plans to protest across the state and has called for a nationwide campaign against what it calls 'saffron terror'.
