New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee on Monday asserted that he would not “surrender” or “bow down” to the BJP after being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for over 11 hours in connection with the alleged school recruitment scam.
Speaking to reporters after emerging from the ED’s Salt Lake office in Kolkata late at night, Banerjee struck a defiant tone. “I will come again if they summon me, but we will not surrender even if they slit our throats,” he said.
The marathon interrogation came a day after Banerjee was questioned for nearly eight-and-a-half hours by the West Bengal CID over allegations of forgery of MLAs’ signatures on documents related to the appointment of the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly.
Accusing the BJP of trying to eliminate political rivals, Banerjee claimed that the ruling party at the Centre was attempting to establish an opposition-free political system in West Bengal. “For the past month, efforts have been made to suppress, intimidate and destroy opposition forces that refuse to bow their heads. This entire exercise is aimed at creating an opposition-less political system in Bengal,” he alleged.
Banerjee, nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is facing multiple investigations by central and state agencies, including cases related to alleged corruption and hate speech. He is scheduled to appear before the CID again on Tuesday in connection with an FIR accusing him of inciting violence and threatening Union Home Minister Amit Shah ahead of the recently concluded Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Banerjee is also facing political challenges within his party, with several leaders rebelling against his leadership style and influence over organisational affairs.
