BJP blames Mamata government for encephalitis deaths

Kolkata, July 25 (IANS) With northern West Bengal gripped with encephalitis syndrome that has claimed over 100 lives so far, the BJP on Friday held the Trinamool Congress government responsible for the malady acquiring epidemic proportions.

State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rahul Sinha blamed the state health department for the malady that has lead to "a procession of deaths" and demanded the resignation of the health minister.

"This government’s apathy and inaction has allowed encephalitis to acquire epidemic proportions resulting into a procession of death. The state health department has been an utter failure and the minister must resign," Sinha told media persons here.

With Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee holding the health portfolio and Chandrima Bhattacharya being the minister of state for health, Sinha did not elaborate whose resignation his party was seeking.

"It’s for them to decide, the failure has been not because of lack of resources rather for lack of action so the decision rests with them who wants to own up the responsibility," he said.