Kolkata. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari targeted Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and MP Abhishek Banerjee, alleging that local sculptors are facing financial troubles due to their harassment. He warned that strict police action would be taken against those threatening artisans or extorting money from them.
Accused of causing financial loss to sculptors
Speaking to news agency ANI during his visit to Kali Puja pandals in Kolkata on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said that the sculptors are facing losses every year, due to which their financial condition is worsening. He blamed Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee for this.
The official said they have provided financial assistance to the sculptors and given clear instructions to police officials to take strict action against those harassing, threatening or extorting artisans from them. He said that as the Chief Minister and local MLA, it is his responsibility to solve the problems of these people.
Claimed to give free hand to police
Claiming improvement in law and order in the state, the Chief Minister said that earlier the police's hands were tied, but now it has been given freedom to act independently. He said the police are taking action to ensure women's safety and curb drug trade and animal trafficking.
Statement also given on preparations for Chhath Puja
The official said that this year Chhath Puja is being celebrated on a large scale in West Bengal. According to him, at least one crore devotees will celebrate Chhath festival in the state and extensive preparations have been made by the administration.
He informed that Prasad will be distributed for Chhath Puja in Howrah on 12th November. The Chief Minister also said that he would visit Delhi for the scheduled programmes.
Chief Minister met puja pandals and sculptors of Kalighat
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the Kali Puja pandals of Sevak Sangh Club and Tarun Yuvak Sangh located at Kalighat in Bhawanipur Assembly constituency. During this, he met the artisans making clay idols in Kalighat Patuapada and provided them financial assistance.
Mamta Banerjee's brother Babun Banerjee welcomed
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee's brother Babun Banerjee welcomed Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at his puja club. Expressing happiness over the visit of the Chief Minister, he said that the officers have already participated in programs like Jagaddhatri Puja, Kali Puja and blood donation camp in his club.
Babun Banerjee said that he wants Suvendu Adhikari to continue working like this throughout West Bengal. Referring to his long association with the Chief Minister, he said that he had been with him earlier also and would continue to support him in future also.