Patna, Sept. 19 -- Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday launched a scathing attack on former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ahead of the upcoming assembly by-elections on October 6, alleging that her administration had "choked" the people of the state with rampant crime and extortion, and claimed that the ruling regime wanted to turn Bengal into "Bangladesh."

Speaking to ANI in Patna regarding the political atmosphere in West Bengal, Singh asserted that the electorate is now seeking freedom from fear and credited West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari with providing an alternative.

"What is there to say? Whether a party contests the election or independent candidates do, the public there will cast their vote. The people there a...