February 11, 2011
I was busy in development projects for the state
Diamond Harbour, Feb 10: After becoming the Railway Minister, I always gave development for the state first priority, when did I have the time to mingle in politics? This was the answer of Trinamool Chairperson Mamata Banerjee to CPM’s criticism. On Thursday, Ms Banerjee launched an ambitious project of construction of a dyke for reclamation of land for a deep-drafted port at Sagar. Here, she took on the state government for failing to develop South 24-Parganas district, which has everything from mangrove forests to pilgrimage sites. Referring to the boat capsize at Kakdwip that claimed over 100 lives, Mamata said no initiative has been taken to develop a proper transport system, hospital, schools or colleges. “After the boat tragedy, I visited Kakdwip hospital and found four women sharing a bed. Newborns and their mothers were sharing the floor with dogs and cats. I wondered how they can avoid getting infected. The Aila-affected people of the district have still not received relief in spite of the Centre having sanctioned `200 crore for relief. The problem is that nothing moves here. I spoke to the zilla parishad and was told that the state government has provided no assistance. The tendering process for 15 cyclone shelters has been completed by the zilla parishad. I would ask the CPM to oppose me politically but not stall development projects.” Accusing the CPM of telling lies about railway projects, Mamata said that she has arranged for funds for all of them.
