Kolkata, Feb 2 (IANS) Trinamool Congress chief and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday lost her cool with a woman journalist who posed an uncomfortable question, sternly telling her not to be a "mouthpiece" of the West Bengal's ruling Marxists.

The journalist asked Banerjee to comment on the Left parties' allegation that the railways was splurging money in advertisements. An angry Banerjee shot back: "First tell me from which media house you are".

When the journalist replied, Banerjee asked her to repeat the question.

The journalist then sought her reaction on Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and other left parties' allegation that railways have become bankrupt and don't have enough funds to support the proposed projects.

A furious railway minister retorted: "Why didn't you ask this question yesterday when your friends in media were beaten up in Midnapore? What they (Communist) are doing, you are not saying that".

"Whatever project we announce the project cost is there in the budget. Each and every project and their cost are there in the railway budget. Please crosscheck," said Banerjee.

"...don't be a mouthpiece of CPI-M, whatever they say. Please crosscheck before asking," she added.