TMC GoM holds meet to foil 'BJP's conspiracy'

Kolkata: Following the direction of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Monday held a detailed meeting to foil "BJP's conspiracy" of restricting the state's growth by calling bandh.

After the meeting of the GoM, the state Parliamentary Affairs minister Partha Chatterjee said: "BJP is trying to disturb the peace in the state. The administration will take all necessary steps to ensure that everything functions normally like any other day on September 26."

"Necessary steps will be taken if BJP and its wings, including Bajrang Dal and RSS, threaten people to observe the bandh," Chatterjee said, adding that the police have also been asked to maintain vigil to avoid any untoward incident in the state.

He further said that all state government offices will function as usual. "We also urge private schools and colleges to keep the institutions open. The state government will ensure their safety and security," Chatterjee said, adding that it would be a criminal offence if anyone damages public property.

Chatterjee said the state Transport department is also taking necessary steps to ensure that the public transport system does not get affected due to the bandh called on September 26. The matter will also be discussed with private operators. The state Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari has also been directed to take necessary steps in this connection.

Chatterjee further said that the people of Bengal have never supported any bandh since 2011 and this time too the people will not support the same.

"Calling a bandh is a conspiracy to purposefully restrict the growth of the state. Mamata Banerjee is working towards overall development of the state and there have been constant effort by them (BJP) to hamper the same. But the people of Bengal will never let it happen," Chatterjee maintained.

It may be mentioned that the Chief Minister had earlier said that there will be no bandh in the state as it leaves a negative impact on its image and at the same time, it leads to a huge financial loss with everything coming to a standstill on the day of bandh.

The Chief Minister, who is at present in Milan, had set up the GoM before leaving for her visit to Germany and Italy. The GoM has been tasked with holding meetings and taking the final decision on various issues that are cropping up in the state, in the Chief Minister's absence.

The GoM has discussed various issues to ensure that people do not face any inconvenience after

setting out of their homes on September 26.