TMC MPs call Dhankhar ‘gyan paapi’, BJP flag bearer

Two Trinamul Congress MPs, Kalyan Banerjee and Aparupa Poddar on Sunday accused West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar of being a “gyan paapi” (a person who does unwanted things) and “BJP flag-bearer” for warning the Mamata Banerjee government against diluting the extended national lockdown. The state’s Covid-19 death toll is 50.

Mr Banerjee, Member of Parliament for Serampore, said: “The Governor could not understand the essence of the Chief Minister’s letter. Had he understood it, he wouldn’t have replied to it this way. If at all he has understood it, it implies that he is a gyan paapi.”

Ms Poddar, Member of Parliament for Arambagh, tweeted: “Dear Governor, We want the people of Bengal, you to stay well at the age of 70, stay healthy! But we have understood the way you, in a retired life, have been behaving childishly for days and running around as a flag bearer, in the role of a guide. Even in the BJP party today, there is no place for an aged leader like you though you know that. All the people of West Bengal wish a speedy recovery of your brain. You can also quarantine your brain. It is our humble submission to you: Do not pollute the sky of Bengal further! Relieve the water, soil, the people and above all the mother of Bengal from you, so that the people of Bengal forgive you (sic).”

Mr Dhankhar stated in Kolkata on Sunday to the media, “Lockdown 3.0 starting from May 4 for another 14 days is the most challenging phase in our combat against Covid-19. Lack of precautions during this critical Lockdown 3.0 would lead to serious problems. During this relaxation period, we cannot be relaxed in complying with the Lockdown 3.0 protocol. A dilution of Lockdown protocol will deny all the benefits earned so far. This is time to have non-compromising 100% social distancing, avoidance of religious gatherings and following all directions.”

He also asked police and administrative officers to “Be fair, avoid any political affiliation or stance.”