In the run-up to the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections, set to be held on 19 May, the escalation of tensions between the TMC and the BJP in West Bengal has become the centre of attention.
It all started with clashes between TMC and BJP workers during Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata on 14 May, with the vandalism of a bust of social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar becoming the point of concern.
The row escalated further on Thursday, 16 May, with PM Narendra Modi joining state CM Mamata Banerjee in 'appropriating' Bengali polymath Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
Speaking at a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Mau, Modi blamed TMC workers for the 'hooliganism' at Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata, and pledged to install a grand statue of Vidyasagar at the same spot soon.
Mamata, meanwhile, hit back at PM Modi and turned down his offer to rebuild the statue saying, “Why should we take their money? Bengal has enough.”
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