Mamata Banerjee Refutes Rumours Of Durga Puja Celebrations, Agrees To Do 100 Sits-Ups If Claims Proved

West Bengal CM said the message is being spread by fake IT pages to destroy communal harmony and the police has been directed to take action against the people who are purposely spreading fake news.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (File Photo/ Getty)

Kolkata: In the latest twist of facts, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee has come out strongly against the rumours regarding the West Bengal government decision of not conducting Durga Puja this year, and said she is ready to do sit-ups in front of people 100 times if the claims are proved. The leader contested the claims at the time of her speech on the Observance of Police Day function through video conference. As per the ANI report, the chief minister said, "A political party is spreading vicious rumours about Durga Puja, so far we haven't had any meeting on it. Prove that the West Bengal government has said there will be no Durga Puja, I will do sit-ups in front of people 100 times.” While adding to this, the leader said the misinformation on Durga Puja is being spread by fake IT pages and the police has been directed to take action against the people who are purposely spreading fake news and make them hold their ears and do sit-ups. “Only fake news is being spread to destroy communal harmony. Those who have never worshipped Kali and Durga or Hanuman are talking about puja," she added while taking a jibe at the ruling government at the Centre. Although the ruling-Trinamool Congress has not made any declaration about Durga Puja celebrations in the state so far, but the celebrations are going to be impacted by the rising number of cases across the country and restrictions are likely to be imposed to contain the spread. Meanwhile, the state has extended lockdown measures till September 20. The state has imposed relaxations on flight movement from Covid-19 “hotspots”, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Nagpur and Chennai. So, flights between these cities and Kolkata are operating thrice-a-week. However, the move is open to review as well. The chief minister also mentioned then if the Centre allows then the state can think about resuming Metro Railway and even local trains keeping in mind the social distancing norms and other necessary required precautions. WATCH | Developments after Rhea Chakraborty's arrest in drug case