Maharashtra may have banned beef, but Bengal won’t. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday made it clear her government doesn’t want to dictate people’s choice of food and dress.
“People have the right to food. Kon mangso khabo, konta khabo na, kon saree porbo, konta porbo na, kon gaan gaibo eta tar byapar (We should leave it to individuals which meat he wants to eat, or which saree she wants to wear, or the song he wants to sing). Any diktat in this regard will only create disunity,” the CM said at a public rally in Jhargram, West Midnapore.
Mamata also warned the gathering against efforts to provoke sentiments that could lead to violence. “Those who mastermind riots take to their heels. It is the ordinary people who suffer. Let us not get into all these things,” Mamata said.
End to Maoist violence
The CM urged people to be vigilant and ensure peace in the area.
“Some people keep coming from outside to provoke villagers. I advise you against falling into the trap. Keep an eye on the surroundings. If you are on the right track, nobody can harm you. Continue with your night patrols because people are the best sentries,” the CM said.
“As many as 170 people were killed in the Gyaneswari accident. I was then the railway minister. I handed over the case to CBI to find out the truth. I don’t have the latest update of the inquiry . The victim families deserve justice,” she said.
“You have helped restore peace in the area. Don’t lose it,” she added.
Flood relief
The chief minister again hit out at the Centre saying that it didn’t give Bengal its due on account of flood relief funds. “We submitted the report to the Centre but haven’t received anything yet. Instead, the Centre is taking away Rs 28,000 crore on account of debt repayment.What’s more, the Centre has slashed funds in a lot of projects,“ the CM said. She has written to Prime Minister in this regard.
