West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chaired a meeting on June 24 at the state secretariat, Nabanna, attended by municipal body chiefs, cabinet colleagues, and a few MLAs, highlighting encroachment on government land as the city's most pressing issue. She also expressed her frustration, questioning, "Even streets are not swept. Do I have to step out to sweep the streets now?"
Banerjee directed Howrah Police and the State Chief Secretary to investigate the encroachments, asserting that action would be taken against those responsible.
She pointed to corruption and encroachment, stating, "Some people are taking bribes and allowing encroachment. Why don't you understand that Bengal's identity is being tarnished because you people are taking money? Wherever there is land, it is being encroached."
"Howrah is full of illegal construction, drain is not there yet," she remarked.
This meeting is particularly significant as the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) prepares for next year's civic elections, following a poor showing in the recent Lok Sabha polls, trailing in 69 out of 121 civic bodies. Banerjee warned against actions compromising Bengal's identity for monetary gains, stating, "This is my first and last warning."
As the head of the Land Department, Banerjee called for a report on illegal land encroachments and slammed government officials and party members for allowing such encroachments for personal gain. "Government property is not anyone's private property," she noted.
She specifically called out MLA and state minister Sujit Bose regarding the state of Salt Lake under his jurisdiction. She also questioned the actions of the Howrah district magistrate, suggesting that MLAs were exploiting the situation.
"Why illegal construction is not being demolished? From officers to police, everyone is involved in extortion. Why are Sujit Bose's (Fire Minister) people encroaching illegally in Salt Lake? Why are the councillors there not working? They are elected representatives," she questioned.
Banerjee highlighted the need for strict measures against illegal activities and encroachments, reaffirming her commitment to protecting Bengal's identity and resources.
She added, "Encroachment is the biggest problem, and people are being made to sit as soon as they see vacant space. Some people are taking money in return and some people are giving money." She also pointed out the prevalence of illegal construction in Howrah and questioned why such constructions were not being demolished.
Banerjee also attacked the central government for selling Bengal's water, citing issues with hydel projects on the Teesta river and insufficient dredging in Farakka, which affects the Kolkata port. She expressed opposition to the Centre's water-sharing talks with Bangladesh, insisting that the West Bengal government must be involved in such discussions and warned of protests if Bengal's water interests were compromised.
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