Mamata Banerjee's bizarre statement on waterlogging: 'Kolkata flooded due to UP-Bihar'

News Topical, Digital Desk : The Bengal government has declared a holiday for government schools on Wednesday and Thursday in response to the torrential rain that lashed the capital and surrounding districts, causing widespread waterlogging. The heavy rain has brought life to a virtual standstill in the metropolis and surrounding districts.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday, "I am in constant contact with the mayor, the state's chief secretary, and senior police officers." Mamata added that the Farakka Barrage hasn't been cleaned properly, so every time it rains in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Mumbai, Delhi, everywhere, it causes waterlogging. This year's rains are a bit unusual.

Central government held responsible

She blamed the central government for the failure to clean the Farakka Barrage, saying the waterlogging was caused by water from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Mamata said, “I've never seen such rain before. I feel deeply for those who lost their lives in the cloudburst. I've ordered a holiday for schools today, and office-goers should stay home. You shouldn't come to work tomorrow either.”

Mamata further said, "I have heard that seven or eight people have died in various places due to electrocution caused by the rain. It is very unfortunate that so many people lost their lives. Their families should be given jobs by CESC (the private power company). The state government will also provide all possible assistance to the affected families."

Blame placed on UP-Bihar

Mamata said, "Our homes are also submerged. We are all worried. I feel very bad for the Durga Puja pandals as well." Regarding the electrocution deaths, Mamata said, "Isn't it CESC's duty to take more care?" Mamata said, “Electricity in Kolkata is supplied by CESC. It is their duty to ensure that people don't face any problems. They will do business here, but won't modernize? They should send people to the field and solve this problem.”

Mamata Banerjee, pointing to the weather department's warning, said, "More rain is coming and waterlogging will occur. The Ganges River is experiencing high tides since Mahalaya. Where will we drain the water? There's nowhere for the water to go; it will have to return to the Ganges. Where will we send this water? It's already full of water from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh."

told not to come to work

Mamata said, "I would also request all private sector employees not to come to work, as disasters affect everyone equally." Targeting the central government, Mamata said, “GST has cut our funds, and all our money is going to deal with these disasters.”

Rain that began after midnight on Monday inundated roads and caused water to enter many homes and residential complexes across the city. Seven people died in Kolkata from electrocution at various locations due to the waterlogging.

Read More: Replica of 'Dancing Girl' stolen from National Museum in Delhi, professor detained