Jalpaiguri/Siliguri (West Bengal), (IANS) Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday attacked the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal for failing to ensure development and jobs and not being different from the Left regime it ousted.
Returning the fire, Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress chief, called Gandhi a "fair weather friend" who makes an appearance only during the poll season and said leaders who never knew what poverty was should not talk big.
Addressing an election rally at Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district, Gandhi also alleged that central government funds sent to the state never reached the beneficiaries.
"Bengal has contributed largely for the country but unfortunately it has not progressed as desired," he said in his first visit to the state after the announcement of Lok Sabha polls.
"Earlier there was a Communist government here... Communism failed in Russia, (it) changed in China and fortunately also in Bengal...
"People had hoped the new government (in the state) will work for development, for education, for creating jobs and employment. Unfortunately the Trinamool government has done the same things for which it fought against the Communists," Gandhi added.
Criticizing the lack of infrastructure in the region, the Congress leader said his party was making efforts to ensure the money sent for the welfare of the common man reaches the ultimate beneficiaries.
"What kind of roads has the Bengal government given you? When there are no proper roads, no schools, no hospitals, it's you who have to suffer. We send crores of rupees to the Bengal government. It's your money and not for the MPs and MLAs here. But the sad fact is, this money reaches Kolkata but not you.
"We hope a day comes when this money, which is yours, reaches you. We are making efforts to ensure that your roads reach you."
He said money meant for development should not be "pocketed by contractors and leaders".
Hours after Gandhi's offensive, Banerjee launched a counter from a rally in the neighbouring Darjeeling district's Naxalbari.
She accused the Congress of robbing the state of its due share of money.
"Leaders from Delhi are claiming they have given us crores of rupees and we never spent it. Shameless leaders, those who never know what poverty is, those who are born as landlords, they are talking big," Banerjee said, in an indirect reference to Gandhi.
Banerjee, however, did not name anyone, and said she never takes "unworthy names".
"Those who have taken away Rs.74,000 crore towards debt repayment and leave us with nothing, they are talking big. Not only that, they have not given us Rs.87,283 crore which we are entitled to," she said.
On Gandhi's comments on the condition of the roads, Banerjee said: ""Those who are talking about roads, I must remind them, the roads are not state roads, rather national highways and are the reasonability of the centre." Her tireless pleas to have them repaired have fallen on deaf ears, she added.
"They are behaving as if they are doling out money to Bengal from their own pockets. Don't dare me to open my mouth. If I do that, many things will come tumbling out," she warned.
Continuing her verbal assault, Banerjee said: "There are some fair-weather friends who make appearances only in the poll season. After that, they are not seen... and I am not a rootless leader."
In an apparent claim, that the Congress would have to seek post-poll support from her, she said: "After the polls, there will be some who will fall at my feet, but to no avail."
Infosys CEO: Salil Parekh's salary increased by 88 percent, annual package reached here by more than 42 crores
Big news has come from the giant tech company Infosys. The salary of the company's CEO Salil Parekh has been increased strongly. This increase is not small, but the entire 88 percent has been done.
Sambhal Violence: The rioters will be made to pay for the losses in Sambhal violence, the administration team is assessing
Politics has intensified over the violence over the survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, while on the other hand, the police administration has made it clear that the rioters will
40 million people are struggling with anxiety: accept it instead of getting upset, it is beneficial to hold your breath for 6 seconds
In today's fast-paced life, people often face stress and anxiety. Some are worried about their work and some are worried about their family. In America alone, 40 million people are suffering from an
Storm and rain wreak havoc in NCR, 4 killed in Ghaziabad-Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The strong storm and hailstorm that came at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday night caused widespread devastation. Dozens of trees were uprooted in Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Hapur, disrupting the power
A small tablet of iodine will save from nuclear attack: America bought it for 2,388 crores, Biden said - the world is nearing the last war
On October 2, 2022, the US government announced the purchase of iodine medicine worth Rs 2,389 crore. For the first time in the history of America, so many iodine tablets have been purchased at the
Paytm Share Sink: Paytm's investors are in trouble, then 12 percent broken share price, know where the price reached
The condition of Paytm, the parent company of One97 Communication, an online payment service provider, is in shambles. Its investors are not taking the name of improving their days. After the listing
When a crocodile attacked Modi!
New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) When he was a Class 8 student, BJP leader Narendra Modi was attacked by a crocodile while swimming in a crocodile-infested lake in Gujarat, necessitating nine stitches on
India-Europe: Free trade agreement between Indo-European countries will prove to be a game changer, Foreign Minister told the importance
Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said during the India Europe Business and Sustainability Conclave on Tuesday that the Free Trade Agreement between India and European countries would prove to
Ram Charan-Upasana: 'Ladli' arrives at Ram Charan and Upasana's house, Chiranjeevi's family gets excited after getting the daughter
Finally, the day that Megastar Chiranjeevi was waiting for for the last nine months has arrived. A little angel i.e. daughter Rani arrived at Ram Charan and Upasana's house on 20th June. Everyone's
5G spectrum: Auction of 5G spectrum on July 26, Adani group will also participate
The auction of the 5G spectrum will be held on July 26. The last date for applications to participate in the auction was July 8. The government will release the list of participants in the auction on
