We will capture Delhi, challenge accepted: Mamata tells Amit Shah

Mamata said she does not need lectures from BJP and accused the Centre of depriving non-BJP-ruled states of funds.

The war words between BJP president Amit Shah and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee escalated with the latter accusing the saffron party of playing divisive politics and declaring that she would "capture Delhi."

Mamata hit back at Shah for saying West Bengal had suffered under TMC rule and that BJP would restore its lost glory.

Accusing the BJP-led Centre of intimidating the TMC, Mamata said at a meeting in Birpara, "The TMC cannot be trampled. We hold our heads high. Those who challenge me....I accept the challenge. We will capture Delhi."

Shah, who was on a three-day visit to Bengal, had said the state had become "poverty-stricken" under the TMC and slammed Mamata for practising "politics of appeasement." He accused Mamata's government of destroying Bengal.

Mamata said she does not need lectures from BJP, adding that the Centre had deprived non-BJP ruled states of funds.

She further dubbed Shah having lunch at a Dalit's home as a "photo op" and said, "Lunch at a Dalit household and dinner at a five-star hotel."

The BJP would fancy its chances in Bengal as the electoral performance of the Left and the Congress has plummeted.

BJP garnered around 56 lakh votes in the 2016 Bengal assembly polls, which is much better than 19.5 lakh votes in 2011 polls.

OneIndia News