BJP making 'mischievous attempts' to grab power: Mamata

Khatra (Bankura): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said the people of the state should not fall prey to the BJP, who she claimed, was trying to capture power with "mischievous attempts". Addressing a public meeting here in Bankura district, she criticised the way the BJP leaders and workers were "spreading canards" to divide people on the basis of caste or religious lines. "Bengal is a different place, where people of all states, creed, culture, religion and political beliefs live together peacefully, without having any ill-feeling or hatred against each other," Banerjee said. Banerjee said no external power would be able to change people's belief, mindset and sense of togetherness in Bengal.

"Don't believe the BJP. They are trying to capture power with their mischievous attempts," she alleged. Banerjee said minorities never face any discrimination or humiliation in Bengal as it happens in some BJP-ruled states. The TMC chief also said her government restored peace and stability in the Jangalmahal area — comprising forested areas of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts — once synonymous with Maoist violence.

She said in the past six-and-a-half-years, major development for the tribals has taken place in the state. Schools, colleges and hospitals have been set up in the area. A trilingual Olchiki dictionary has been published by the BCW.

Recalling her experience in Bankura in 1992, she said "people used to eat ants' eggs. They had no food to eat. Once a tribal woman had told me that they used to get rice for only three months in a year. During the remaining months, they either starved or ate ants. Her narration brought tears to my eyes and it was here that I decided that if I ever come to power, I would ensure two square meals a day for them. Now, we give them Rs 2 kg rice." She said the state government has also addressed the long-standing water scarcity in Bankura district.

Banerjee further said that because of the terror unleashed by the Maoists, people did not visit Mukutponipur, Khatra, Gopiballavpur and Simlapal. The Maoists killed common people indiscriminately and people suffered from fear psychosis. But after Trinamool came to power in 2011, the condition of the tribals began to improve and now the kendu leaf collectors get pension. "We have looked after the poorest of the poor and in the rural belt, there is not a single family that does not get the benefits announced by the state government," she pointed out.