Kolkata: Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Saturday took a jibe at INDIA bloc and questioned the alliance’s effectiveness. He was also critical of Mamata Banerjee reaching out to CPM general secretary M A Baby.“INDIA bloc needs to work on its own programmes. We only see them discussing different issues, but nothing specific comes out of these discussions,” he said.Taking a swipe at INDIA bloc’s proposed Sept 30 meeting, Bhattacharya said the opposition alliance should move beyond discussions and focus on concrete political programmes.Bhattacharya also criticised Banerjee over her recent conversation with Baby. “She can communicate with anyone in the world. But people will no longer stand by them,” he said.Bhattacharya also alleged that political violence had taken place against his party workers in Bengal. “People of Bengal know about deaths of 329 BJP workers. They also know about incidents of rape involving women supporters of BJP,” he said.Bhattacharya’s remarks came amid renewed political exchanges in Bengal over INDIA bloc’s proposed meeting, Banerjee’s interaction with CPM veterans, her allegations of being confined to her residence and the attack on Kunal Ghosh.State minister Dilip Ghosh felt that a proper opposition is required for constructive criticism and “keeping govt on track”. “We also want a strong, proper opposition. That helps govt to stay on track. When INDIA bloc partners were asking her to join, she refused. Now she is reaching out to them herself,” Ghosh said.Meanwhile, BJP national president Nitin Nabin is scheduled to reach Kolkata on Sunday morning. He will hold consecutive meetings with party functionaries, MLAs and MPs at a New Town hotel. He will also hold a meeting with the party’s core group members.
