POLITICAL STORM IN FLOOD-HIT BENGAL Mamata meets injured BJP MP; party alleges ‘jihadi’ link

The political row over the attack on two BJP leaders in flood and landslide-hit north Bengal flared up Tuesday, as the Centre sought answers from the TMC government and the saffron camp alleged that “jihadi elements” were behind the assault, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met injured BJP MP Khagen Murmu in hospital.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

In a surprise visit, Banerjee met Murmu at a private hospital in Siliguri, where the Malda Uttar MP is undergoing treatment for serious facial injuries sustained in Monday’s mob assault at Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district and enquired about his health. The hospital visit came hours after the Lok Sabha Secretariat sought a factual note within three days from the Union Home Ministry on the attack. Parliament officials said the Secretariat has written to the Ministry of Home Affairs to obtain a “factual note” from the West Bengal government within three days. Television visuals showed Banerjee entering the hospital and speaking softly to the injured parlia