‘CPI(M) would have auctioned Bengal if they were in my place’

She attacked the Opposition CPI(M), accusing it of leaving a "huge debt burden" on the ruling Trinamool Congress’ dispensation and claimed it would have "auctioned" the state if it were "in her place".

"CPI(M) had left a debt burden of two lakh crore rupees when we came to power. Inspite of it Bengal has turned around during our rule. CPI(M) would have auctioned Bengal if they were in my place," she said.

She was addressing a rally here on Friday evening.  Vaishali Dalmiya, daughter of Jagmohan Dalmiya is TMC’s nominee. She is Mamata Banerjee’s choice and she has instructed local party leaders to work together to ensure her victory.

She said in the not too distant future, industries would come to Bengal. Criticising CPI(M), she said, the party had ruined the state during its rule that lasted for three decades. “Howrah was rich in industries. But one after another the industries were closed due to militant trade unionism of CPI(M). 

Those who used to work in the industries lost their jobs. Some of them became hawkers,“ she said adding industrialists developed an aversion for West Bengal because of lock outs and strikes. “It is unfortunate that when we are trying to bring industries they are carrying out whispering campaigns and are telling the industrialists not to come to this state, she said adding:  But their efforts will not be successful. Industrialists will come to Bengal and this will be the new destination.”

She said because of wrong policy of CPI(M) three generations had suffered. 

“One fine morning without assigning any cause they stopped teaching English in government schools. Three generations suffered badly. But they send their children to English medium schools. This double standard had affected the progress of the state,” she said. CPI(M) also did not allow the installations of computers and thus affected progress of the state.

She said after unleashing red terror the CPI(M) was now talking about democracy. “We have seen how they had conducted votes. When we lodged complaints nobody responded. And now, they along with Congress have opened a cell to lodge complaints against me and TMC. But by doing this they will not be able to win the election as people would vote for TMC, she remarked.

Mamata Banerjee said she had pledged to develop Bengal which would finally lead to the regeneration of the youth. “Young generation is our future and the state government will give them every support to ensure their growth.” 

She said in the past five years the folk artists had been given financial support and this had helped to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Bengal.

Banerjee remarked that those who come to the city after staying out for many years praise the city as its infrastructure has been improved. But the Opposition did not like it as they were jealous. “The people will give a befitting reply to their negative approach and jealously in the ballot,” she said. She urged people to vote for TMC candidates.