Mamata Banerjee reacts against Dilip Ghosh’s comments attacking police personnel, creates panel for their welfare & peace of mind

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday reacted sharply against the comments made by state chief of Bharatiya Janata Party Dilip Ghosh, who had publicly made controversial statements on Sunday attacking police personnel, their family members and Trinamool Congress workers.

At Sodepur of North 24 Parganas, Ghosh had warned police officers. “Some police personnel are working at the behest of the ruling party. Within a year, we will ensure that they are unable to be in contact with their families,” Ghosh had said, adding that these officers were spending money to educate their children outside West Bengal. “Their children won’t be able to complete their education. We will turn them into migratory workers.” Ghosh had also said that Trinamool Congress workers will be stripped and beaten with shoes.

Reacting sharply to these comments, but without naming Ghosh, Banerjee on Tuesday said that “the fact that you are moving around safely is due to police personnel taking care of you.” She said that police personnel were working hard and they deserved peace of mind, respect and the opportunity to be with their family members. She expressed gratitude to the police force – celebrating “Police Day” on Tuesday. Police Day was marked on September 1, but the celebrations and programmes could not be held on that day due to the state mourning following the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee.

Attacking Ghosh, the West Bengal CM further said, “I can still understand that you may be angry with the police personnel. But what have their families done? Why such vindictive attitude towards their families?”

As a sharp contrast to the comments made by Ghosh that would have antagonised the police force, Banerjee expressed softness and gratitude.  Apart from announcing pay hike, leave benefits, better living facilities for police personnel, Banerjee formed a committee of senior IPS officers that will look into the ways of providing “peace of mind” to police personnel across the state for all ranks. Mental health issues of police personnel have also been taken up by the government.