How could Mamata Banerjee arrange alternate space so quickly?: Suvendu Adhikari cries conspiracy in Khidirpur market fire

Adhikari, a top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in the state, accused the Chief Minister of planning to shift the traders to a new place and allow the private investors to build shopping malls in the area.

"People have lost faith in Mamata Banerjee because she has failed to become a Chief Minister for all. She is only serving Firhad Hakim, Kalin Group, Reliance, Sujit Bose and not the poor businessmen," the BJP strongman thundered.

Adhikari, who visited the site with his party colleagues Arjun Singh, Shankudeb Panda, offered full support to the traders who have camped in the market refusing to move to any other location.

"I am an experienced individual in the land movement... CPI-M had bowed to my land movement in Nandigram... I appeal to all to continue the sit-in protest without any political flag. We are ready to support you all. Let's fight it out," the Leader of Opposition said.

Adhikari has also cried conspiracy behind the fire that has destroyed the livelihoods of countless people. Even pocket fires were noticed in the market on Tuesday morning.

"How could the Chief Minister arrange an alternative space so fast and ask the traders to move? The entire area barring this market place is already sold out. The Chief Minister is offering Rs. 1 lakh and asking the traders to move to a new space! Why doesn't she move out of West Bengal?"

Adhikari said he as the Leader of Opposition will raise the matter in the state assembly on June 19.

The fire broke out at a little later than 1 am on Monday. The blaze spread fast across the shops due to the congestion in the area.

Twenty fire engines were rushed to the spot at night. The fire was brought under control after the nightlong efforts by the fire brigade.

Locals have vented their anger against the state administration alleging there was a delay in the arrival of fire engines.

People in the area said the losses could have been restricted had the fire engines reached the area on time.

Levelling a shocking allegation, one of the shopkeepers alleged the fire brigade did not have water and oil in its pump as a result water could not be pumped out from the nearest river. 

Later in the day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the area.

Mamata said the market will be reconstructed adhering to all scientific guidelines and in the meantime, the affected shops will be relocated to an area nearby.

The Chief Minister has promised to rebuild the gutted shops besides announcing Rs. 1 lakh for all whose shops were completely destroyed and Rs. 50,000 for the ones whose shops were partially damaged.

However, the traders are not satisfied by the Chief Minister's promise.

"We are not moving to any other place. We will remain here," one of the many shop owners, who were protesting against the Chief Minister, said.