Mayawati too joins Mamata on the issue of Army deployment

New Delhi: BSP President Mayawati on Friday came out in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against deployment of Army personnel at toll plazas in the state saying it amounted to 'excesses' against the latter.

''I have been CM of Uttar Pradesh four times and can say with conviction that Army cannot enter the state without permission of the state government,'' she said in the Rajya Sabha. Alleging politicisation of the Army, she said it can be used to encounter external forces but the deployment in this manner was deplorable.

The BSP member of the Upper House said she respected the Army but against its use of political reasons which was done by the Modi government at the Centre.

TMC raised the issue in Lok Sabha:

• Earlier, the issue was raised by Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the Upper House of the Parliament.
• Sudeep Banerjee of TMC said that the Army personnel had taken possession of toll plazas .
• It is an attack on the federal polity of the country.

You may also read: Mamata Banerjee protests Army’s presence at toll plazas

Defence Minister said:

• Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said he was pained at the allegations.
• The Army was deployed as part of the routine drill used to take place in UP, Bihar, West Bengal and North East.
• Last year, the exercise had taken place on November 16,18 and 19.
• This year , it was planned for November 28,29 and 30 but had to be deferred to December one.