Mamata Banerjee defends Trinamool MP seen in Narada sting video

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Kolkata: Stoking yet another controversy, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday defended Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar who was allegedly seen in the Narada sting operation video while accepting a bribe.

Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress supremo, asserted that Ghosh Dastidar was capable of acquiring 50 Naradas and doesn't need to depend on funds from other sources.

"As I was going to the venue, I heard people asking 'Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, why did you take Narada's money?' She can buy such 50 Naradas... she doesn't need to take such money and resort to such things," Banerjee said at an election rally in Dum Dum near Kolkata.

Ghosh Dastidar is one of the five Trinamool Lok Sabha members who were 'caught' taking bribe in return for favour to a fictitious company. Several of those shown in the operation are contesting the assembly polls.

The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha has sought explanation from the five Trinamool members.

Earlier this month, Banerjee had dubbed the expose as "an election political vendetta".

Banerjee also said she could have changed the candidates if she had prior information.