The BJP not only dismissed these claims, but a top government official also said Banerjee did not return PM Modi’s calls. Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripathi was contacted only after he failed to connect with Banerjee.
Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee have locked horns once again and this time over cyclone Fani.
Claiming that PM Modi only called up Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to discuss rescue operations, the Trinamool blamed the Centre for not telephoning Banerjee.
The rulings party of Bengal further claimed that PM Modi only spoke to Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripathi about the situation post the cyclone.
However, the Centre not only dismissed these claims, but a top government official also said Banerjee did not return PM Modi’s calls. Tripathi was contacted only after he failed to connect with Banerjee.
Also read: Indian Navy helps Odisha to stand back on its feet after Fani hammering
"Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," the official said.
Meanwhile, Trinamool secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said: "This is an attack on a federal structure and a deviation from the Constitution. By calling the Governor he has acted as leader of BJP and not as a Prime Minister. How can he deny the mandate of our people? Mamata Banerjee is the elected chief minister of Bengal. This is unfortunate."
Except for damaging a few huts, cyclone Fani did not cause much havoc in West Bengal, CM Banerjee said as the severe cyclonic storm weakened Saturday morning and headed towards neighbouring Bangladesh.
At least 16 people died after cyclone Fani barrelled through Odisha on Friday. According to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, 1.2 million people were evacuated in 24 hours and almost 7,000 kitchens catering to 9,000 shelters were made functional overnight, helped by around 45,000 volunteers.
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