Mamata Banerjee justifies the crores her paintings fetched by claiming she is an artist, asks whether Modi is jealous of her ‘talent’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s legendary paintings which fetched crores have been in the centre of Saradha chit fund controversy. Last week, the CBI had summoned Derek O’Brien and grilled Mamata Banerjee’s close aide, Manik Majumdar, over the sale of her paintings to chit fund companies. The CBI has reportedly questioned Majumdar over how the proceeds of the CM’s paintings were utilised.

While addressing the media earlier today after the Supreme Court verdict which directed the Kolkata Police chief to cooperate with the CBI in the investigation, Mamata said she is a self-taught artist as well as a best-selling author. She asked Modi whether it is because of her many talents that PM Modi is jealous of her.

In the above video, from 18:17, Mamata says questions are being raised about her creativity being used to raise money, part of which goes to the CM relief fund, and hence, she wants electoral reforms.

In the video, Mamata says, “I made paintings. I have written so many books. I have written 87 books. They are best sellers. I can write. Even I can play the songs also. Modi is jealous of this also? I have made paintings. I am an artist. It is not that I have taken a lesson from anywhere. But I can do something. Ask any artist about my paintings. See, 200-300 paintings of mine were sold in the market in an exhibition. Before that, I made it clear in a press conference. This is not my party amount. I will not peg them more than the market value. We will not let anyone take advantage of my creativity. This move should have been welcomed. This is why we want electoral reforms.

Two exhibitions took place. 200-250 paintings were sold and even from that Rs 1 crore was given to chief minister relief fund. Rs 20 lakh were given to governor relief fund. After that CBI sends notice to municipal corporation whether we paid rental fees for the exhibition. Is this CBI’s job?”