Kolkata, Apr 30 (UNI) The BJP, the main opposition in West Bengal, criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, currently in Digha for the inauguration of the Jagannath temple, accusing her of being insensitive and irresponsible after 14 people died in a devastating hotel fire in Burrabazaar, Kolkata's central business district.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. In contrast, the state government remains silent. Twelve hours after the fire broke out, the words of condolences from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appear insincere and insensitive,” BJP IT chief and co-incharge for Bengal Amit Malviya wrote on his X handle.

“It is unfortunate that such tragic incidents continue to recur in Kolkata due to lack of government maintenance, absence of fire safety equipment, poor urban planning, and unchecked illegal activities by the promoter lobby,” he added.

State BJP president and union minister of state for DoNER, Sukanta Majumdar who cut short his stay in Delhi and came back to Kolkata, wrote on his X handle, “The Chief Minister supposedly stayed awake all night in Digha to supervise everything! Following such a horrific fire, the honourable Prime Minister of the country promptly announced financial aid from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

“But the real tragedy for the people of the state is that the failed Chief Minister could not even make it to Kolkata. Even the failed Fire Minister remained seated by the sea in Digha!” he wrote.

“Yet again, ahead of the elections, the Chief Minister is engrossed in the dangerous politics of religion, while the safety of innocent citizens of the state goes to hell! For the failed Chief Minister, festivals, fairs, and spectacles come above all else! Shame!” he wrote.

“Lack of proper fire safety measures, and other negligence must have led to the horrific incident, which must be probed thoroughly. However, what is most concerning is that the tragedy struck at the heart of Kolkata, yet the response wasn't adequate and prompt considering the location. Why?” leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari wrote on his X handle.

“Is this because, the whole Administration and WB Govt is on a 3 day vacation in Digha and the People of WB are left to fend for themselves?” he added.

“The hotel fire in Kolkata is unfortunate. I express my deep condolences for the deceased. The Chief Minister stayed up all night in Digha monitoring the situation. The police administration has given the necessary instructions to the fire department. Ministers Arup Biswas and Sujit Basu are actively involved. Mayor Firhad Hakim and Minister Shashi Panja have visited the scene in Kolkata,” Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said.

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