Kolkata: Allegations of serious irregularities surrounding TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee's 'Sebashray' medical camps rocked the West Bengal Assembly on Friday, with the BJP demanding a statement from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on the issue.
Raising the matter during a calling attention motion, BJP MLA Debanshu Panda alleged that the camps witnessed several instances of medical negligence and other irregularities.
"In some places, playgrounds have been occupied, while in others, medicines have allegedly been buried underground. Several irregularities have taken place in the name of medical treatment. Some patients have lost their hands, while others have lost their legs," he claimed.
"In Falta, a camp has occupied a playground, depriving children of a place to play. I had a meeting with the DM, who told me that the administration will have to spend Rs 24 lakh to dismantle the pandal. It was deliberately kept intact after the May 4 Assembly bypoll results to allegedly bring BJP workers there and assault them. I am placing this matter before the Assembly and demand a statement from the CM," Panda added.
The BJP MLA's allegations come amid earlier complaints against the 'Sebashray' camps, where several beneficiaries reportedly alleged medical complications following treatment.
Complaints have also reportedly been filed against Abhishek Banerjee in connection with the issue.
Responding to the allegations, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shankar Ghosh said the government had received multiple complaints through different channels and assured the House that the matter would be addressed.
"We have received several serious complaints through various channels. Allegations have also surfaced regarding medical treatment. The CM will make a statement on the issue in the Assembly on Saturday," Ghosh said.
The issue also triggered a political response from TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh, who accused the opposition of deliberately targeting Abhishek Banerjee.
"Abhishek is an MP. If necessary, he should be specially invited to the Assembly and given an opportunity to respond so that he can present his side," Ghosh said.
