Send Rebel MLAs To Bengal, Will Extend Good Hospitality: Mamata Banerjee

Amid the ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday flayed the BJP for trying to "topple" the MVA government in that state in an "unethical and unconstitutional" manner.

She said the BJP has deliberately chosen to "disturb" the Maharashtra government at a time when the presidential polls are approaching.

"It's an unfortunate fact that the federal structure has been totally demolished by the BJP-led central government. They are attempting to topple the Maharashtra government in an unethical and unconstitutional manner," Ms Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat.

Describing the situation in Maharashtra as "shocking", Ms Banerjee said, "We want justice for people, for the electoral mandate and for (Maharashtra Chief Minister) Uddhav Thackeray."

In what seems to be an apparent bid to topple the Maha Vikas Aghadi government (MVA) in Maharashtra, dissident legislators of Shiv Sena, which heads the ruling coalition, left for Surat on Tuesday, where they had camped for the day, before flying to Guwahati in a chartered aircraft.

This is perhaps the first time MLAs from a western state were flown to a northeastern state, following their rebellion against the party leadership.

The exact number of rebel legislators that moved to Guwahati could not be confirmed, but the flight reportedly carried 89 passengers, including the crew.

The Trinamool Congress chief asked the BJP to send the MLAs to Bengal instead, where they will be extended good hospitality.

"Why are you disturbing the Assam government when they are facing floods? Send them (the MLAs) to Bengal and we will extend good hospitality and take care of democracy, too," she said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)