Mamata trying deal with Modi to dodge CBI probes: CPM

Accusing Mamata Banerjee of “lethal opportunism”, the CPM on Thursday said she is seeking political agreement with the BJP to get relief from the CBI probes in chit fund cases.

“The Trinamool Congress is seeking relief,” said an editorial in party mouthpiece People’s Democracy, pointing out that the party is beleaguered by Saradha and other chit fund scams that has seen arrests of ministers and MPs.

“This can only come from a political ‘agreement’ with the Modi government at the centre. It is only the latter which can ease the pressures of the ongoing criminal investigation,” it added.

The editorial said Mamata hurled abuses at Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, belonging to the CPM, for receiving the Prime Minister at Agartala during his official visit to the state in adherence  to protocol.

“On Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Kolkata, West Bengal chief minister spread out the red carpet and their new found bonhomie clearly consigned the acrimony between her and the prime minister during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls to the records of history,” it said.

“The body language of the two suggested that a new relationship between the two has blossomed – a potential political alliance in the offing”, the editorial said.