"BJP workers trying to defame TMC": WB Minister Shashi Panja

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 26 (ANI): Following allegations that BJP posters were removed during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Kolkata, West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja denied the allegations and claimed that BJP workers were trying to defame the Trinamool Congress.
Speaking to reporters, Panja said, "You will see Mamata Banerjee's posters across the state, not just Kolkata. It is wrong to say that because the Union Home Minister was coming here, more posters of Didi were put up, and his were removed. BJP workers are trying to defame the Trinamool Congress. These allegations are baseless. We say 'Jai Bangla' because all those who stay in Bengal want the state to be victorious."
She further alleged that the BJP uses the "Shree Ram" slogan for political purposes.
"BJP uses Jai Shree Ram as if they are going to war. We worship lord Ram, but you use the slogan to scare people," she said.
Reacting to the waterlogging in Kolkata, which claimed 7-8 lives, she claimed that BJP workers played no role in providing relief work.
"When there was water on roads after torrential rains in Kolkata, we did not see even one BJP worker on the road. During the 6-hour cloudburst, torrential downpour, which resulted in 300 mm of rainfall, all BJP workers were sitting in their homes. The CM, Kolkata Mayor, and elected representatives came on-ground," she added.
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday offered prayers at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata and said that he has prayed to Maa Durga that a government which is capable of "building a 'Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal) should be elected following the Assembly polls in 2026.
"We want Bengal to become a safe, prosperous state again," Shah said as he inaugurated a Durga Puja pandal based on the theme 'Operation Sindoor'.
Extending greetings to the people on Durga Puja festivities, Home Minister said the nine-day Durga Navratri festival has gained popularity worldwide. "For nine days, every person dedicates themselves to 'Shakti' puja."
Paying tributes to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his birth anniversary, Amit Shah said that contributions made by the social reformer to the field of education, "particularly in the education of women, will not be forgotten".
Union Home Minister Shah also offered prayers at Kalighat Kali Temple.
Amit Shah also extended condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives due to rainfall at the beginning of Durga Puja festivities.
"There was heavy rain at the beginning of the Durga Puja festival, and more than 10 people lost their lives in it. All BJP workers stand by the families of those who lost their loved ones," he said. (ANI)