TMC, Opposition trade charge on sting operation

BJP today demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the CPI(M) sought President's rule in the state in the wake of a news portal's "sting" operation that claimed TMC ministers and legislators received bribes for doing political favours.
But TMC accused the opposition parties of hatching a "political conspiracy" ahead of the assembly election dubbing the sting operation by a news portal as "manufactured".
Addressing a press conference, BJP national Secretary Siddharth Nath Singh the demanded immediate resignation of Banerjee.
"She should not stay as a chief minister even for the few remaining days before election. Her party leaders were involved in corruption and she has given leadership", he alleged.

"At the same time we request the full bench of Election Commission to take step so that TMC leaders who are seen in the video are not allowed to contest the election," Singh said.
"We have also written to CBI director to take cognisance of the sting operation. Please investigate since you are already investigating Saradha, Rose Valley chit fund scams", he said.

At a press conference in Delhi, the news portal released the tape of the sting operation which purportedly shows some Bengal ministers, MPs and MLAs accepting cash in return for favours such as lobbying for a fictitious company 'Impex Consultancy'.

CPI(M) state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra said since the matter has been exposed during the poll process the Election Commission should ensure that this money is not used to influence people's verdict.
He said that to ensure fair poll, EC has to take steps immediately, else election should not be conducted till such steps were taken.
"If if it requires promulgation of President's rule, it should be done", he demanded.
"People never questioned Mamata Banerjee's honesty. Knowing that defeat in the assembly poll is imminent, CPI(M), BJP and Congress resorted to hatching conspiracy. We are not bothered", Trinamool Congress secretary general and education minister Partha Chatterjee told a press conference here.

TMC Vice President Mukul Roy who was also present, asked, "Why did they come out with the manufactured video on the eve of the election. It is a political conspiracy. We are going to take legal action".
He said that the people will have the last word and they would give their poll verdict after one and half month.