After several members of the influential Adhikari family switched to the BJP, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, on Sunday, called herself a “big donkey” for not recognising their “true face” earlier.
Describing her aide-turned-rival Adhikari as a “traitor”, Mamata said that that she has heard rumours about the Adhikari family amassing an empire worth Rs 5,000 crore.
“I say I am a ‘big donkey’ (Ami ekta boro gadha) for having failed to recognise them. I dont know (about it), but people say their ’empire’ is worth Rs 5,000 crore and they will use money to buy votes. But don’t vote for them,” Banerjee said at a rally.
Mamata blamed the Adhikari family for ruling the district as “zamindars” (landlords) by taking full control of the area, claiming that she was not allowed to hold public meetings there.
Assembly elections are going to be held in West Bengal from March 27.