After splitting NCP & Sena in Maharashtra using central forces, BJP using same tactics against TMC in Bengal to weaken opposition: Supriya Sule

Pune: NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Saturday said BJP was using central agencies to divide TMC in West Bengal and weaken the opposition, after splitting NCP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra using similar tactics.

“BJP is using agencies like CBI and ED to target opposition parties. It split NCP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, and now it is using similar tactics against TMC. Rahul Gandhi has been warning about the ploy of finishing the opposition and that exactly is happening in reality. If such a trend continues, the democracy of the country will be in danger,” Supriya said, reacting to the political turmoil within TMC.

As many as 60 of 80 TMC MLAs rebelled against the party chief, Mamata Banerjee, following the outfit’s loss in West Bengal assembly polls. The West Bengal assembly speaker, Rathindra Bose, recognised Ritabrata Banerjee from the rebel faction as the leader of opposition in the House.

Supriya also accused the central and state govts of being insensitive to the common people’s issue. “When the inflation is constantly rising, youngsters are facing unemployment and students are encountering paper leaks, the govt is interested only in elections and targeting the opposition. Instead of giving relief to common people, they are only trying to create a divide within the society,” the Baramati MP said.

She also said NSC (SP) decided to pull out of the MLC poll contest for the Pune seat after discussions with its MVA partners. Pune units of Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) had expressed disappointment over NCP (SP)’s decision to withdraw from the fray, paving the path for NCP candidate Vikram Kakade’s unopposed victory.

Supriya said, “MVA held a meeting in Mumbai before the withdrawal. Representatives of Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) were present in it. The decision was taken after their consent. Apart from Pune, there were seven withdrawals across the state, including candidates from Congress.”

The Baramati MP also said she would move a bill in Parliament to prevent horse trading in polls. “No election should be contested using money and muscle power. Therefore, I am planning to move a bill to stop horse trading in polls. We will hopefully see some changes in elections in future,” Supriya said.