The political circuit has been set abuzz with speculation about the real reason for Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's meeting here with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for Wednesday at a time when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is trying to locate the former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to question him in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam.
According to official sources here, Banerjee has had Kolkata sweets home-delivered to Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg a day before their meeting, where she is also expected to raise the issue of pending projects in West Bengal. Banerjee flew to Delhi on Tuesday, which was also Modi's birthday.
Congress party Bengal unit President Somen Mitra has accused Banerjee of making a desperate bid to ensure an "escape route" for Kumar, who is currently untraceable.
"Do we understand that Honourable CM of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee is going to Delhi on the day PM Modi celebrates his birthday, and as return gift for the birthday wishes, request an escape route for the ex-Commissioner of Kolkata Police in the Saradha chit fund scam?", Mitra asked.
The state BJP in-charge Kailash Vijayvargiya also dubbed it as the "last-ditch bid" of the fiery Bengal leader to save the police officer regarded as being close to her.
Earlier, not only was a CBI team looking to question Kumar detained by the Kolkata Police, but Banerjee herself sat on a 'dharna' to protest of the CBI team visiting Kumar's residence.
"Why is she seeking a meeting with PM Modi all of a sudden is anybody's guess", Vijayvargiya said, recalling Banerjee's sharp criticism of Modi during the 2019 general election campaign.
The last time the two leaders met was at the convocation ceremony at Visva Bharati University in Shantiniketan on May 25, 2018.
The Rs 2,500-crore Saradha chit fund scam involved a ponzi scheme that defrauded small investors and poor people with promises of astronomical returns. When the fraud came to light, several victims ended up committing suicide.
Many top Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders' names have been dragged into the scam investigation, including sitting MP Shatabdi Roy and former MP Kunal Ghosh. TMC leader Derek O'Brien has been quizzed in the matter by the investigation agency.
With the CBI now looking for Kumar, there is visible discomfort within the ranks of the TMC.
PM Modi urges people to not get upset with 'insulting language' used against him by Congress
PM Modi mentioned that Congress is indulging in different games to get the chair anyhow by playing with the future of people.
Treating politician differently from ordinary criminal will violate Constitution: ED tells SC on CM Kejriwal's plea
The ED claimed that the investigation of the Excise policy case has to be seen as the background of the large-scale destruction of evidence.
EC sends notice to Cong over poll code violation by Rahul Gandhi, seeks reply by April 29
The Election Commission has taken note of alleged violations of the model code of conduct by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and on Thursday sought a response from the party.
Congress tied hands of our soldiers, we gave them full freedom to retaliate: PM Modi
"We have asked our jawans to fire 10 bullets in response to one," said PM Modi while addressing a rally in the Chambal region of Morena.
First time after resettlement, 10248 Brus in North Tripura to cast vote on April 26
First time after the official resettlement, at least 10248 Brus in North Tripura district will cast their vote on April 26 to decide the fate of candidates for East Tripura Parliamentary Constituency.
Woman kidnapped, gang-raped in Bengaluru, five arrested
In a shocking case, a 23-year-old woman was kidnapped and gang-raped in Bengaluru, said police on Thursday, adding that five accused have been arrested.
Mahadev betting scam: Actress Tamannaah Bhatia summoned by Maha Police
Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia has been summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Police for the ongoing investigations into the multi-crore Mahadev online gambling and betting scam, officials here said on Thursday.
IAF's remotely piloted aircraft crashes in Jaisalmer, probe ordered
An Indian Air Force aircraft crashed in Jajia village near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, confirmed officials here.