PF interest reduction result of PNB scam, says Mamata

Hemtabad (North Dinajpur): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday claimed that the fresh reduction in Provident Fund interest is a result of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam and that the working class would suffer hugely due to the rate cut.

Intensifying her attack against the Centre, she added that it has become a mute spectator to the loot of public money to the tune of crores of rupees. She reiterated that the Centre cannot wash its hands off and has to look into the matter.

Addressing a rally at Hemtabad Police Ground in North Dinajpur on Thursday, she alleged that the Centre was trying to compensate the loot by lowering the rate of interest on PF, small savings and fixed deposits. She called the incident Centre-sponsored bank loot.

"A handful has been running out of the country after robbing public money to the tune of thousands of crores, while the Centre is pressurising the common man by reducing the rate of interest on PF and small savings. Instead of taking action against the accused, the Centre is further imposing a burden on the masses," Chief Minister said.

She questioned as to why the Centre would be spared after its failure to check such incidents. She also demanded punishment for the Centre as it had failed to check the unabated looting of public money. She also alleged that the Centre has lowered the rate of interest on PF to compensate the increase in the DA along with protesting against the FRDI Bill which she termed as "dangerous".

"People depositing money in banks are not sure whether they would get back the amount or not. What is the Centre doing when the masses are being robbed? Why will there be no punishment for the Centre when hard-earned money of poor people is being plundered in this manner," Banerjee maintained.

In a blistering attack, she further slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre for sponsoring this bank loot. Banerjee said: "The incidents of bank loot have been going on with the tacit support of the Centre. People's money in banks is not safe."

She also pointed out that people in the country are not secured. There is no social or economic security of the people in this country. She once again trained her guns at the Centre for curtailing funds for several development projects in the state, going on to blame the BJP for oppressing tribals and Dalits. Instead of going for an overall development scheme for the people, she said the Centre is dividing people on the basis of caste and religion. She slammed the BJP for playing divisive politics and urged the tribals and Dalits of North Dinajpur not to get provoked by certain BJP leaders who would try to incite violence and divide people on religious sentiments.

"We don't differentiate between the Dalits, minorities or other communities. Some BJP leaders are trying to cut the country into pieces by playing communal cards. We would not let it happen and people must remain cautious."

While addressing the rally, Banerjee accused the Centre for destroying the federal structure of the country. She also blamed it for its attempt to close down Durgapur steel plant and Burn Standard.