Mamata Banerjee comes out of Secretariat after 30 hours of protest

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee finally left the Secretariat here after 30 hours of protest against the presence of army at toll booths across the state.

Banerjee who was against deployment of the Army in the state's toll plazas had denied coming out of her office on Thursday last till the soldiers were asked to leave the place. The West Bengal Chief Minister had said on Friday alleged the move as illegal and stated that her government was informed about such activity. Banerjee had said, "The centre was trying to bulldoze us, we would fight them legally."

In reply to her allegations, the centre and the army have, however, stated that presence of soldiers at the toll booths was part of a routine vehicle counting exercise and have refuted the West Bengal CM's claims. "Notice regarding this was sent to the state government for November 28, 29 and 30 but due to some defence arrangements the exercise had taken place on December 1, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Friday last." Parrikar had earlier on Friday stated in Parliament that he was shocked and hurt by Banerjee .

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"It is unfortunate that the Army was being dragged into controversy because of Mamata Banerjee's 'political frustration'," stated Parrikar. He had further said, "The Army was conducting a routine exercise in Bengal and other states, one which it had conducted last year in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand and it is done in different states with the consent of officials."

The army had although withdrew from the Howrah toll booth in late night of Thursday last, saying it had completed the exercise there, but Banerjee refused to leave and stated, "These people may have gone. But they are there in 18 other districts," she said, adding, "Don't know what will happen overnight...I will guard democracy...I will continue to be at the Bengal Secretariat till Army at all toll plazas is withdrawn."

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