Kolkata/IBNS/UNI: Reacting sharply to the arrest of West Bengal Forest Minister Jyotipriya Mallick in connection with the alleged ration scam, state minister for Women and Child Development Shashi Panja on Friday stated that it was another "petty" attempt by the BJP to "muzzle" opposition parties raising pro-people issues.

Panja, a spokesperson of the ruling Trinamool Congress, asked why “corrupt” BJP leaders were never summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation or the Enforcement Directorate.

"Another petty attempt by BJP to muzzle opposition raising pro-people issues. Why are corrupt BJP leaders, like Suvendu Adhikari,  never summoned by ED & CBI?” she asked.

Panja said it was clear that the BJP was “scared” of the people's movement launched by Trinamool National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee for getting Bengal's dues. She alleged that “the weak and powerless BJP is witch-hunting leaders out of vendetta politics”.

She termed as "deplorable" the BJP’s tactic to "interfere and attack" the non-BJP ruling states and "misuse" central investigating teams, and said such acts will be “strongly revenged” by the people of Bengal in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

She wondered why investigation by central agencies gains momentum as elections draw near and then conveniently taper off once the polls are over. “(This is) because BJP is misusing Central Agencies to pursue politically-motivated witch hunts against the opposition,” she added.

Panja described the “weaponisation" of investigative agencies for "partisan" objectives and demanded “transparency and fairness”.

"The people of Bengal have seen through BJP's tactics, recognising who stands with them and who stands against them," she stated.