Don't blame entire family for few bad boys: Mamata

HOWRAH: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday battled criticism against her party leaders, claiming one or two dushtu chhele (bad boys) can't bring a bad name to the entire family .

Referring to the Narada sting (without naming it), Mamata, who was in Howrah, claimed people from Delhi are coming here with bags full of cash to stage drama. “I am the mother (of this party). I have given birth to Trinamool Congress. In a family of 20, 30, or 50 people, if one or two are bad, you can't blame the entire party .I have an eye on them as well. But do not waiver from your chosen path. We are facing a slander campaign by the opposition on yet-to-be-proven charges. Keep your cool and vote for Trinamool,“ the chief minister said. Her admission about some unscrupulous members of the party , however, is significant. Mamata's statement curiously coincided with Mathew Samuel telling reporters in Kolkata that the sting operation -which now threatens to mar the poll campaign -was authentic.

The CM had earlier said that had she known about the sting earlier, she would have reconsidered her decision to give party tickets to some. Her statement had its repercussions -some leaders took it as a tacit admission of guilt, which could undermine the party's chances in the polls.