Chief minister Mamata Banerjee today convened a pivotal meeting in Nimtouri, East Midnapore, where she addressed multiple issues, ranging from electoral controversies to developmental projects. From the platform, Miss Banerjee not only lambasted her political adversaries but also outlined her government’s vision for the region.

On the contentious Nandigram Assembly poll results she targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari. Without mincing words, Miss Banerjee alluded to allegations of electoral malpractice and corruption, underscoring the prolonged legal battle surrounding the Nandigram case. “The case of Nandigram is under trial. It’s been two-and-a-half years. People will answer it,” she asserted.

Miss Banerjee, without naming the BJP leader, made pointed remarks about corruption in school education in East Medinipur and hinting at the involvement of the leader in question. She accused him of blocking jobs and alleged that he went to court out of fear of being caught. The chief minister also accused the unnamed leader of job loss to the poor.

She claimed that despite the leader’s attempts to portray himself as a saint, he was involved in corruption and malpractice. “I’m abreast of all the news. But, I will not let anyone lose their job. He went to the court for fear of being caught. Gaddar is the most corrupt.” She also castigated the central government for its purported negligence towards Bengal’s developmental needs.

Emphasizing the absence of financial support for the Ghatal Master Plan, Miss Banerjee reiterated her commitment to prioritizing flood control measures in the region. Despite the lack of assistance from the Center, Miss Banerjee vowed to undertake the Ghatal Master Plan, showcasing her administration’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Underscoring her government’s achievements, Miss Banerjee highlighted a slew of development initiatives that have transformed the landscape of East Midnapur. From the expansion of railway infrastructure, exemplified by the Digha-Tamluk line, to the implementation of projects like Jalswapna, which have provided clean water access to over 11 lakh residents, Miss Banerjee emphasized her administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and development.

Miss Banerjee also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement levelled against her government by the Prime Minister and the central government. Challenging the figures presented regarding funds allocated to Bengal, Miss Banerjee asserted her government’s transparency and dedication to welfare schemes, including housing initiatives that have resulted in the construction of over 43 lakh houses across the state.

In a bid to address prevailing employment concerns, Miss Banerjee announced the continuation of the Karmashree scheme, promising job opportunities for cardholders for up to 50 days starting from April-May. Additionally, she unveiled plans to increase dearness allowance (DA) by four per cent for contractual Group C and Group D employees, underscoring her government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of its workforce.