Sandeshkhali: TMC Knows Shajahan Sheikh's Whereabouts, Claims Sitharaman. Party Says Charge 'Baseless'

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman alleged that the TMC had foreseen Shajahan Sheikh's arrest and is apprised of his whereabouts.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asserted on Tuesday that the West Bengal government is fully apprised of the whereabouts of absconding TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh of Sandeshkhali. Sitharaman alleged that the ruling party had foreseen Sheikh's arrest within seven days, news agency PTI reported.

Speaking at a program, she criticised the state administration's handling of law and order, particularly in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, citing instances of crimes and sexual abuse. She expressed dismay over the delay in apprehending the culprit, stating, "My body shakes as I speak about Sandeshkhali and its crimes", as quoted by PTI.

Sitharaman further emphasised the contrast in the handling of violence incidents in different states, pointing out the swift action taken in Manipur. Referring to the ongoing unrest in Sandeshkhali, she highlighted the assurance given by TMC leaders regarding Sheikh's imminent arrest, insinuating that the government's confidence implied knowledge of his location.

“And what is the statement that we get here, that the culprit will be arrested within a week? That means you know where the person is, that is why you are confident about his arrest. Your (TMC) ministers are going there, but the opposition is not allowed there; this speaks of the law and order situation in the state,” Sitharaman said, as quoted by PTI.

Sheikh has been on the run since a mob attacked Enforcement Directorate officials during a raid at his residence in connection with an alleged ration scam on January 5. Sitharaman further accused the Trinamool Congress of politicising central government schemes to the detriment of the poor, citing issues of corruption and poor law and order under TMC rule, as reported by PTI.

TMC Slams Nirmala Sitharaman's Allegations As Baseless

Responding to Sitharaman's allegations, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh dismissed her claims as "baseless allegations", asserting that she spoke more like a BJP leader than a finance minister. Ghosh accused the Centre of withholding dues amounting to Rs 1.18 lakh crores owed to the state, emphasising the government's commitment to clearing the MGNREGA dues despite alleged obstruction from the Centre. He criticised the BJP for attempting to divert attention from its own failures by making such accusations.

“She was not speaking like a finance minister, but as a BJP leader. The Centre has immorally withheld our dues. Our government has now decided to clear the MGNREGA dues. The saffron party is trying to hide its failures by making such allegations,” Ghosh said, as per PTI.

The issue of withheld dues has been a contentious political matter in West Bengal, with the TMC consistently accusing the Centre of imposing a financial blockade on the state.