Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee differ over COVID-19 restrictions in West Bengal

While Mamata has embraced a much liberal approach in tackling COVID-19 prioritising both health and economy, Abhishek believes strict measurements for the next couple of months are necessary to take reign of the situation caused by the virus.

To stem the coronavirus spread, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has so far closed educational institutions, reduced the workforce in offices, and launched a few measures in socio-economic lives.

Mamata, who also heads the TMC, stressed on maintaining the "livelihood" during a recent virtual programme with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Above all, the Mamata Banerjee government has been severely criticised by a section of people for allowing Christmas and New Year celebrations, Gangasagar Mela which attracts lakhs of Hindu devotees besides carrying on with four civic polls in the state.

In a stark difference from Mamata's way of governance, Abhishek, who is also the TMC national general secretary, recently said, "I personally believe all religious and political programmes should be called off for the next two months."

In an oblique reference to the massive Christmas celebrations occurred in Park Street, Abhishek said, "Christmas, New Years celebrations, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, all are going on! We need to rise above these and devote ourselves to society by refraining from these activities."

"Let us save lives first and then everything will happen accordingly," he added.

On Wednesday, West Bengal reported 22,155 COVID-19 cases with 7,060 of them coming from Kolkata.