Kolkata18 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
Chief Minister on Monday launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, responding to her criticism over the Annapurna Bhandar scheme and several other issues.
During a Facebook Live session, the Chief Minister outlined the state government’s position on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Annapurna Bhandar, government property damage, the Park Street pavement controversy, industrial projects and consumer protection, while directly targeting Mamata.
CAA hearings to begin soon
On citizenship for Hindu refugees from Bangladesh and the Matua community, the Chief Minister said the state would facilitate certificates for eligible applicants. He claimed that the Central government’s gazette had given the state government the authority to conduct CAA hearings and thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the decision.
“CAA hearings will be completed quickly and certificates will be issued quickly,” the Chief Minister said.
Three times compensation for government property damage
The Chief Minister also announced stringent action against those accused of damaging government property, attacking police personnel or setting public property on fire. He said a new notification related to West Bengal Public Order had been issued and claimed that anyone found responsible for damaging government property would have to pay compensation three times the value of the damage.
According to him, the Governor has already signed the relevant Bill, and the new process came into effect on Monday.
Adani group to build 2,000-bed hospital
The Chief Minister also announced a major healthcare project in New Town involving the Adani Group. He said Gautam Adani had given a commitment letter for the project and that an international-standard hospital with around 2,000 beds would be built.
According to the Chief Minister, around 1,000 beds would provide free treatment to economically disadvantaged patients.
‘Eligible people will receive Annapurna benefits’
Responding to Mamata’s allegations over the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, the Chief Minister said only eligible beneficiaries would receive the financial assistance. He claimed that around 1.46 crore people had already received benefits under the scheme.
The Chief Minister also said around 4.5 lakh complaints had been submitted through the Annapurna portal. He said the complaints would be verified and eligible beneficiaries would receive the benefits. The Chief Minister also highlighted the number of Muslim beneficiaries under the scheme.
He claimed that around 19.2 lakh Muslim beneficiaries were receiving benefits under Annapurna Bhandar. Rejecting allegations of discrimination based on religion, he said the previous government used to make distinctions while his government did not.
He also alleged that the previous government had favoured particular communities in housing schemes, citing an example from a village in Nandigram where, according to his claim, only two of 54 beneficiaries were Hindu.
Attack over alleged corruption
The Chief Minister also targeted the previous government over allegations of corruption.
Referring to the alleged corruption involving the “aunt-nephew” duo, he said people had not voted merely for development but also to punish those accused of corruption.
He said action would be taken against those involved in corruption and suggested that their properties could be sold to recover compensation.
‘Stay on Facebook, don’t come out on roads’
The Chief Minister launched his sharpest attack while directly addressing Mamata Banerjee.
“Stay on Facebook. I will make arrangements so that you cannot come out on the roads,” he said. Referring to recent incidents in Baruipur and Halisahar, he claimed that Mamata had faced setbacks in both places.
Industrial projects announced
The Chief Minister also announced several upcoming industrial projects. He said an L&T project would be inaugurated at Silicon Valley on August 27.
He also announced that a project worth around ₹6,000 crore at Haldia Petrochemicals would be inaugurated on October 14. The Chief Minister said a meeting had also been held on consumer protection. According to him, Consumer Protection Week will be observed from September 1 to 7.
He said discussions were held on action against hoarders of essential commodities such as rice, pulses, and sugar. The Chief Minister claimed that all relevant task forces had been activated to monitor the situation and take necessary action.
Financial assistance for journalists increased
The Chief Minister also announced an increase in financial assistance for journalists. He said 154 journalists had earlier been eligible for financial assistance of up to ₹2,000 per month. The amount has now been increased to ₹5,000 per month, he said. He also claimed that healthcare facilities had been arranged for journalists.
