West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday claimed that a conspiracy is being hatched against her nephew and Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and that he would be arrested by central investigation agencies before the Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing a rally in Kolkata on the occasion of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) foundation day, the party supremo cautioned that a third term for the BJP at the Centre would ensure the nation faces an autocratic rule.
"If BJP returns to power for the third consecutive term, the nation would face an autocratic rule. I am apprehensive that they (BJP) could hold the Lok Sabha elections in December itself or in January next year…,” she said.
The chief minister accused the saffron party of turning the country into a nation in the throes of animosity among communities. "If they return to power, it will make our country a nation of hatred," she said.
Banerjee also claimed that the BJP has already booked all choppers to campaign in the Lok Sabha polls, so that no other political party can use those for canvassing.
‘My surname is Banerjee’
Addressing the gathering, Abhishek said his surname is not “Modi” or “Mallya” and that he is not a person to escape in face of any pressure.
"While I was travelling for medical treatment, a rumour was spread claiming I would not return. My surname is not 'Modi, Choksi or Mallya'; It is Banerjee. We know how to keep fighting with our heads held high and without surrendering to Delhi,” he said.
Abhishek said he will hang himself publicly if a single piece of evidence surfaces about his involvement in any kind of corruption.
“I will reiterate that if there is an iota of evidence against me, no ED-CBI will be required. I will walk to the gallows and hang myself. Does anyone across the country have the audacity to say this?” said the TMC leader.
Both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek are expected to attend the third meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc in Mumbai at the end of this month.