Biswabrata Goswami
TAMLUK, 4 MARCH: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today convened a pivotal meeting in Nimtauri, East Midnapore, where she addressed a multitude of pressing issues ranging from electoral controversies to development projects. The gathering served as a platform for Miss Banerjee to not only lambast her political adversaries but also to outline her government’s vision for the region’s progress.
Amidst a charged atmosphere, Miss Banerjee wasted no time in revisiting the contentious aftermath of the Nandigram assembly polls, indirectly targeting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari. Without mincing words, Miss Banerjee alluded to allegations of electoral malpractice and corruption, underscoring the prolonged legal battle surrounding the Nandigram case. “The case of Nandigram is under trial. It’s been two and a half years. People will answer it,” she asserted, setting the tone for a blistering critique of her political opponents.
Miss Banerjee, in her scathing attack while not explicitly naming the BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, made pointed remarks about corruption in school education in East Midnapore, insinuating that the leader in question was involved. She accused him of blocking jobs and alleged that he went to court out of fear of being caught for his actions.
The Chief Minister also accused the unnamed leader of eating the most from the party and causing the loss of jobs for the poor. She claimed that despite the leader’s attempts to portray himself as a saint, he was involved in corruption and malpractice. “For whom is the most corruption in school education in East Midnapore? I also keep all the news. What has the job been in exchange for? I will not let anyone’s job go. He went to the court for fear of being caught. Gaddar ate the most here. Most corrupt.”
However, Miss Banerjee’s ire was not solely directed towards the opposition; she reserved a significant portion of her address to castigate the central government for its purported negligence towards Bengal’s developmental needs. Emphasizing the absence of financial support for the Ghatal Master Plan, Miss Banerjee reiterated her commitment to prioritizing flood control measures in the region. Despite the lack of assistance from the Center, Miss Banerjee vowed to undertake the Ghatal Master Plan incrementally, showcasing her administration’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Underscoring her government’s achievements, Miss Banerjee highlighted a slew of development initiatives that have transformed the landscape of East Medinipur. From the expansion of railway infrastructure, exemplified by the Digha Tamluk line, to the implementation of projects like Jalswapna, which have provided clean water access to over 11 lakh residents, Miss Banerjee emphasized her administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth and development.
Miss Banerjee also took the opportunity to refute allegations of financial mismanagement leveled against her government by the Prime Minister and the central government. Challenging the figures presented regarding funds allocated to Bengal, Miss Banerjee asserted her government’s transparency and dedication to welfare schemes, including housing initiatives that have resulted in the construction of over 43 lakh houses across the state.
In a bid to address prevailing employment concerns, Miss Banerjee announced the continuation of the Karmashri scheme, promising job opportunities for cardholders for up to 50 days starting from April-May. Additionally, she unveiled plans to increase Dearness Allowance (DA) by four percent for contractual Group C and Group D employees, underscoring her government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of its workforce.
“Some people come during elections, advertise, but even when people die, they are not cared for,” Miss Banerjee exclaimed, accusing the BJP of being absent in times of crisis. She questioned the BJP’s claims of providing water to every household, asserting that the state government has been taking proactive steps in infrastructure development, including land acquisition, pipeline installation, and maintenance, with a substantial financial contribution.
Addressing the crowd, Miss Banerjee showcased the progress made under her administration, citing the construction of three super specialty hospitals and a significant increase in fish production by 60% over the past 12 years. She emphasized the development of essential infrastructure such as fish drying racks, markets, and the creation of 42 thousand ponds.
Miss Banerjee further highlighted the tourism potential of the region, mentioning the construction of a temple in Digha, comparable in height to the famous Puri temple, and the establishment of a Convention Center along the Marine Drive. She envisioned a future where Digha’s Jagannath temple would attract visitors from across the globe.
Taking aim at the BJP’s tactics, Miss Banerjee accused the party of defaming her government through strong-arm tactics from Delhi. She dismissed threats from the opposition, asserting her commitment to continue serving the people.
Challenging the central government’s claims of financial assistance to Bengal, Miss Banerjee refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion of providing 47 thousand crores to the state. She emphasized that her government had utilized funds effectively, pointing to the construction of 43 lakh houses as evidence of their commitment to development.
In a fiery conclusion, Miss Banerjee urged journalists to hold power accountable, alleging bias and urging them to scrutinize cases involving women. She promised to continue fighting for the people’s rights and declared her determination to expose any falsehoods perpetuated by her political opponents.
Tags: #MamataBanerjee #EastMidnapore #BJP #Centre
