Some are trying to disrupt peaceful coexistence of all communities: Mamata

Debra (West Midnapore): Without naming the BJP, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the party for fanning communalism and spreading divisive politics all over the country.

Addressing a mammoth rally here on Wednesday afternoon, she added: "Bengal is the most peaceful state and we believe in the peaceful coexistence of all the communities. But there are some who are trying to create division among different religions and communities and usher in trouble."

Coming down heavily on the CPI(M), she said in the past 34 years no development had been carried out in the rural areas. "Because of the fear of Maoists, people did not visit West Midnapore. Neither did they come to Debra or Gopiballavpur or even other areas. But now, the situation has changed. Rapid development has taken place in West Midnapore and Jhargram, the newly formed districts," she said and added: "We work for the people and that is our USP."

Banerjee urged the people to vote for her candidates in the forthcoming Panchayat elections to ensure development in the rural areas. "Vote for those who have worked for you," she maintained.

Banerjee said nowhere in India such massive development has taken place after repaying a loan to the tune of Rs 48,000 crore.

"Because of the CPI(M)'s faulty policy, we have to repay the loan. There would have been more development had this financial burden been not there."

Banerjee said Bengal is number 1 in the country in 100 days' work and in creating rural jobs. "It is a great achievement and this has been possible because of better coordination among different departments," she added.

The Chief Minister also said under the Trinamool Congress government, all-round development has taken place in the state. "When I was coming to West Midnapore, I found as if the entire district was covered with green carpet. The production of paddy and vegetables has gone up and the farmers are earning more money."

She alleged that the Bengal government has not received any money from the Centre to combat disasters. "Assam and Bihar have got financial assistance but we have not received any amount," she said.

Banerjee said Bengal is the only state in the country where medical treatment is free in state-run hospitals. "Expensive operations are being conducted free of cost. Many people from neighbouring states are getting these benefits too," she added.

She said superspecialty hospitals have come up in every district and the rate of child mortality has gone down with the institutional delivery shooting up.

Banerjee further added that the state government is committed to providing scholarships to students in order to encourage them to carry on with higher studies.

The Kanyashree project has benefitted girl students immensely and now those studying in universities are also getting scholarships. There are scholarships for the minority and general category students as well. "We want to help our students and want them to grow."

She told the students: "Use these facilities and become responsible citizens and wherever you go and whatever you do, you should reach the top."