Railway minister and Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee suffered minor “chest injuries” after her convoy was hit by a lorry while she was returing to Kolkata from her Lalgarh rally on Monday evening. Doctors advised her complete rest, so she will not be able to attend Parliament for some days.
A speeding lorry hit a state intelligence branch vehicle accompanying her car, following which Ms Banerjee’s driver had to apply brakes suddenly. The minister, seated in front, got injured and suffered mild trauma. The state government has sought a report, while the railways allege serious security lapses. Questions are being raised how a lorry could breach the route of a Union minister with Z-plus security.
In New Delhi, BJP and Left MPs united to launch a scathing attack on the government in Parliament, demanding that the Prime Minister clarify the government’s position on Naxalism with a Union minister openly supporting Maoists. The Rajya Sabha saw the adjournment of Question Hour over Lalgarh issue, followed by a walkout by BJP and Left MPs.
Referring to Ms Banerjee’s claim that Maoist leader Azad was killed in a “staged” encounter, Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley said in the Upper House: “A minister is saying the killing of Azad was staged. Only the PM can clear the air.”