West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday expressed gratitude to several Opposition leaders, including Chief Ministers of Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and the DMK chief who have come out in her support on the issue of transfer of three IPS officers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was in Bengal on a two-day tour, said the Home Ministry’s letter was completely within the ambit of constitution and law.
“The letter which the Centre has written is completely constitutional and as per law. The letter is written under the ambit of federal structure and she [Ms. Banerjee] should refer to the rules and speak to the Centre and also tell the people,” Mr. Shah said.
The Union Home Ministry has transferred three IPS officers of the State to different positions under Central deputation despite the reservation from the State government. The three IPS officers who were transferred were deputed in the security of BJP president J.P. Nadda when his convoy was attacked on December 10 in Diamond Harbour.
“Centre is brazenly interfering with State Govt functioning by transferring police officers. My gratitude to @bhupeshbaghel @ArvindKejriwal @capt_amarinder @ashokgehlot51 @mkstalin for showing solidarity to people of Bengal & reaffirming their commitment to federalism. Thank you!,” Ms Banerjee tweeted.
The West Bengal Chief Minister thanked DMK chief M.K. Stalin, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. All these leaders have come out in support of the West Bengal Chief Minister and described the Centre’s action as interference in the federal structure. The West Bengal government has not agreed on the transfer of three IPS officers in the Central government and there are speculations that the State can take the matter to the Supreme Court.
