'State withholding data on COVID-19, low testing being done': BJP approaches WB Governor

Alleging that Trinamool Congress-led (TMC) government in West Bengal was 'withholding information' regarding COVID-19 statistics in state, BJP approached Goverr Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday. BJP delegation led by state party president Dilip Ghosh reached Goverr Dhankhar's residence at Raj Bhavan highlighting  discrepancy between data provided by centre and state government.  delegation also included senior party leaders Mukul Roy and Rahul Sinha.

Read: West Bengal Extends Lockdown Amid Coronavirus Till April 30: CM Mamata Banerjee

'Discrepancy between Centre and State statistics'

"People do t have confidence on data provided by state government," said BJP delegation. It added that Bengal Government was suppressing COVID-19 numbers. "On April 10 re were 116 coronavirus cases in West Bengal according to centre, while state government put number at 95," a Raj Bhavan statement said.

Read: West Bengal: KMC Contradicts State Govt's COVID-19 Death Toll, BJP Targets TMC

BJP also added that despite large amounts of testing kits being sent across various districts, testing in state was very low. "Around 5,000 testing kits have t been distributed and wherever testing kits were sent, y have hardly been used, said BJP giving example of Malda district alleging that 1,000 testing kits were sent but t a single test was conducted.

According to party,  was even more "worrisome" was that those from state who attended Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi have t yet been identified and quarantined. BJP alleged that religious congregations in state were still taking place and social distancing was t being maintained. "y pose a serious threat of transmission," it said.

West Bengal extends lockdown

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday anunced extension of coronavirus lockdown in state till April 30 as number of cases rise and death toll mounts. In her daily press briefing, Mamata Banerjee said, "We had earlier stated that we will wait for Centre's decision and won't have a differing opinion. lockdown will continue till April 30 and furr updates will be provided from time to time."

Read: West Bengal: Doctors Forum Urge CM Mamata To Ensure 'transparency' In COVID-19 Data

(With ncy Inputs)