Kolkata, Aug 3 — West Bengal Minister in charge of municipal affairs and urban development, Agnimitra Paul, a fashion designer-turned-politician, on Monday issued a strong note of caution that any Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker or leader found guilty of being involved in corruption and extortion will be summarily expelled from the party.
She is the third top state party leader to issue such a note of caution after the party state president in West Bengal and Rajya Sabha member, Samik Bhattacharya and the state panchayat affairs and rural development minister, Dilip Ghosh.
“The matter of extortion cannot be wiped out within a day. Some people might still think of earning money through this route. But already our ministers and the state party BJP have issued a strong note of action. Helpline numbers have been opened so that the common people can report to the government about instances of corruption. We will not spare anyone found guilty of involvement in corruption and extortion, even if that person is from our party,” Paul told media persons on Monday.
She also said that the state party president in the matter will be final. “He has clearly said that if anyone is found guilty of involvement in corruption or extortion will be expelled from the party summarily. Perhaps a few people have already been expelled. We do not make any deals about this. We do not believe in double-talk. We will not allow the previous trend of collecting money through corruption and extortion and then sharing a percentage with higher leadership. We are not like the previous regime. We do what we say,” Paul said.
At the same time, she also said that anyone lodging a false complaint intentionally to harass anyone or to settle any personal agenda will also not be spared.
“You don't want to come forward, call the helpline and complain. But anyone trying to frame someone with their own agenda should remember that his or her your number will be with us. You will also be caught,” she added.