BJP MP accuses TMC leaders of taking cut-money

BJP MP from Hooghly Locket Chatterjee has accused TMC leaders in West Bengal of taking cut-money.

"Cut-money is taken by TMC leaders from birth till death. West Bengal Chief Minister has accepted that their leaders take it. TMC leaders from lower to upper level are taking it. Chief Minister had said to her party leaders to keep the 25 per cent amount and give 75 per cent to her," she said raising the issue in the Zero Hour of Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court directed Bengal Food Minister Jyotipriya Mullick, his assistant, a councillor and the state to respond within four weeks to a complaint filed by two businessman brothers that they had been asked to pay Rs 30 lakh for permission to set up a nursing home.

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Protests and demonstrations have rocked various parts of the state over people demanding that "cut money" allegedly taken by elected representatives of the ruling TMC from beneficiaries of government schemes be returned.

Cut money amounts to a percentage of money that is illegally charged by elected leaders to the grassroots functionaries at the panchayat and local bodies level from ordinary citizens in return for delivery of services.

Meanwhile, BJP said if voted to power it will seize properties of TMC leaders accused of taking such commissions and return the money to people.

(With inputs from agencies)