CALCUTTA, February 20: Firebrand Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee tonight charged that yesterday's attack on her was a "gameplan of the CPI-M and Congress" to prevent her from campaigning in the minority-dominated area.Banerjee, back in the campaign trail, while addressing protest meeting at Gariahat under her Calcutta south constituency accused Chief Minister Jyoti Basu of playing "communal card" for electoral gains.
Stating that the attack was made on her at a place which was a mixed area, the stormy petrel said that she had information that a conspiracy was hatched. Banerjee alleged that she was prevented by revolver-wielding local dons while entering Tapsia area.Criticising the role of police, she alleged that despite having prior information, the police did not act.
Inspector-General of Police (law and order) Prasun Mukherjee denied the charge and said that the police had made timely intervention, otherwise the situation could have taken a serious turn. Banerjee was offered policeprotection which she refused to take, the IG said.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
