Trinamool no different from predecessor: Rahul

Jalpaiguri (West Bengal), March 25 (IANS) Observing that West Bengal has not progressed as desired, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday attacked the Mamata Banerjee government in the state for following the footsteps of the erstwhile Communist regime.

Addressing a party rally at Nagrakata in the district, Gandhi also alleged that central funds sent to the state did not reach the beneficiaries.

"Bengal has contributed largely for the country but unfortunately it has not progressed as desired. Earlier there was a Communist government here, communism failed in Russia, changed in China and fortunately also in Bengal.

"People had hoped the new government will work for development, for education, for creating jobs and employment, but unfortunately the Trinamool government has done the same thing for which it fought against the communist," Gandhi said in his address.

Criticizing the lack of infrastructure in the region, the Congress parliamentarian 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 that a day comes when this money, which is yours, reaches you. We are making efforts to ensure that your roads reach you. That the money sent for roads is utilised and not pocketed by contractors and leaders," said Gandhi.

On the issue of women empowerment, Gandhi said it was imperative for the country aspiring to be a superpower that its women are empowered and self sufficient.

He also said that his party aspires to work for the empowerment and welfare of tea gardens workers in the region.