Bula 'shocked, surprised' at Mamata comments

Kolkata, Jan 28 (UNI) Ace swimmer Bula Chowdhury today expressed her 'shock and surprise' at the reaction of Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee criticising her for being awarded Padmashree.

''I have heard the news. It came as a shock and surprise that someone could react in this manner,'' Bula told UNI.

The Trinamool leader criticised giving the Padmashree award to Bula Chowdhury saying her party treated the ace swimmer only as a CPI(M) MLA.

''I did not win it for being a CPI(M) MLA. I won it for the rare achievements as a swimmer. I believe that I have made my country proud and this is a recognition for my service to the nation,'' the CPI(M) MLA from Nandanpur in West Midnapore said.

''The state government had nothing to do with my award and I feel humbled and proud at being given this rare honour,'' she said.

Bula Chowdhury, has been a former national record holder in 100 mts and 200 mts butterfly, before she set out to conquer the seven seas. She is the first marathon woman swimmer in the world to achieve this glory.

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