Mamata demands probe into Rose Valley-LIC connection

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday demanded an inquiry into the alleged connection between the chit fund company Rose Valley and the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), a Central government owned organisation.

"I have heard that LIC had some connection with the Rose Valley. How a central government agency can work together with a chit fund company. I will tender my apology if I am proven wrong," Banerjee said.

She was speaking at the inauguration of 21st edition of Jatra Utsav at Barasat on Friday.

Pointing finger at the Modi government, Banerjee said that they were trying to malign the Trinamool Congress government by framing its leaders with false charges.

She said: "The CPI(M)-led Barasat municipal board had given Rose Valley land at the cost of Rs 25,000 for setting up an amusement park. But CBI never questioned the role of the then Left Front board." Without naming Babul Supriyo, Banerjee said why the central investigating agency is not arresting the BJP MP who in a public programme introduced himself as a rose in the garden of roses. She hinted at the involvement of Supriyo in the Rose Valley chit fund scam.

Slamming the Centre for promoting digital economy, the Chief Minister said that many jute mills and tea gardens have been closed following the demonetisation by the Centre.

"Common men were mostly affected in such an irresponsible decision of the Centre. Modi government has brought ruin for most of the people while few people have been benefitted by the demonetisation. Poor people have lost their job. 100 days works have stopped in many parts. Banks were running out of cash. In a country like India where there is no bank or post office in 92 per cent villages, how could people get the benefits of digital India," Banerjee asked.

Further hitting out at the Prime Minister Banerjee said that Modi had failed to bring the black money from Switzerland.

"Modi had promised to transfer an amount of Rs 15 lakh to the account of every Indian. Has he delivered his promise? Where have those black money gone?" Banerjee questioned.

The Chief Minister once again reiterated that the farmers in the state will feel the heat of this. The price of essential commodities like paddy and potatoes will be skyrocketing putting the common people in jeopardy. The farmers are unable to do their work due to the financial crisis posed by the irresponsible decision by the Centre.

She also said that micro and small scale artisans who showcase their various products in fairs are also affected as many programmes have been cancelled. The bookings of Jatra festival have also been cancelled causing serious inconvenience to the people involved in this sector.

She had inaugurated a host of projects from the inauguration of Jatra festival at Kachhari Maidan in Barasat. She handed over key of new flats to 746 families under Bana Bibi Prakalpa at Banhooghly. She also inaugurated the new 4 storey building of the District Information and Cultural Office at Barasat though remote control. She also inaugurated four new women police station at Karaya , Taltala, Ultadanga and Behala.