Mamata poser to BJP: Did Ram ever preach arms' use at rallies?

Pailan (South 24 Parganas): Launching a scathing attack on the clashes that broke out in Purulia, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday directed the state administration to take stringent action against those who took out processions with arms and ammunition on the occasion of Ram Navami, defying the state's stern directive. "Police should take strict action against the lawbreakers carrying arms. I am instructing the Director General of Police and all the Police Superintendents to take strong action against such rallyists. No one should be spared," she said while addressing the administrative review meeting here on Monday afternoon.

Banerjee also questioned if power can be given to run the administration to those who have insulted Ram. "Can anyone show a photograph with Ram carrying a sword or revolver? We know that Ram used to carry bows and arrows. But the neo-interpreters of Ram are not only carrying arms like swords and revolvers but are entering areas where people from other communities live just to create panic among them. This cannot be tolerated," she said.

The Chief Minister further added: "Some thugs got out on the streets wearing headbands and carrying swords and guns to foment trouble. This cannot happen in Bengal. Bengal has a distinctly different culture. We celebrate all kinds of festivals and rituals starting from Durga Puja to Ramadan and Christmas but always maintain peace and harmony."

Banerjee instructed South 24-Parganas district administration to resolve the impasse created in Bhangar and Sonakhali where a few people have raised an objection to the installation of a power grid. She asked the District Magistrate to talk to the locals and not "with some political groups." She said: "Ask the villagers to send five to six representatives and talk to them. Do not entertain outsiders."

The Chief Minister also instructed the district administration to resolve the Sonakhali issue within a week. "Some people will resist the installation of the power grid affecting interests of thousands of people. This cannot be tolerated. The government has shown enough patience but the problem will have to be ironed out immediately."

She said steps should be taken to install deep tube wells and tube wells in the water scarcity prone areas and asked the district administration to take action against those who are breaking water pipes to draw water for irrigation. "This practice should stop. Police should take action against those involved with it. She asked the district administration to conduct a survey to identify the pockets that are suffering from drinking water crisis.

Banerjee also congratulated officials and Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samity and Gram Panchayat members for implementation of the 100 days' work. South 24-Parganas has become the number 1 district in the country to implement the 100 days' work scheme successfully. She announced that Sunderbans will be a new district soon and three food processing hubs will be set up in South 24-Parganas. "The district produces fruits, vegetables, flowers and has potential to export them as well. If this can be made, the earnings of local vegetable and fruit and flower growers will go up," she said.