Mamata's 'clean chit' of sorts to PM Modi over ED 'misuse' and an advice

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has been unsparing in her criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi but her statement on Monday giving a clean chit of sorts to him over the alleged misuse of central probe agencies has raised many an eyebrows.

The TMC chief said that she does not believe that Prime Minister Modi is behind the alleged misuse of CBI and ED to intimidate political opponents. She further said that CBI earlier reported to Prime Minister's Office but it reports to Amit Shah-led Home Ministry.

"Every day, leaders of opposition parties are being threatened by the BJP leaders with arrest by CBI and ED. Should central agencies function this way in the country? I don't believe that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is behind this, but some BJP leaders are misusing the CBI and ED for their interests," she said.

The chief minister claimed that businessmen are leaving the country as they are being hounded by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Mamata Banerjee, however, had an advice for the Prime Minister. She said that the PM needs to ensure that the functioning of the union government and the interests of his party do not get mixed up.

West Bengal chief minister's remarks come at a time when several of her party leaders are being investigated by central agencies on allegations of corruption.

(with PTI inputs)

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