Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday insinuated that the Opposition CPI(M) and a section of media were trying to defame her government and mislead the people. She also alleged that the Opposition was indulging in anti-government campaign because it was jealous of the development she had spearheaded in the state. “Mamata Banerjee is the people’s energy and your allergy,” she said pointing to senior CPI(M) legislator Anisur Rahman.
Participating in the discussion on West Bengal Medical Council (Temp-orary Supersession) (Amendment) Bill, 2012, Mr Rahaman said Ms Banerjee had visited Bangur Institute of Neurology with journalists and camera persons soon after becoming the chief minister in 2011 which had caused inconvenience to the patients. Immediately, the Trinamul members raised a protest. The chief minister, who was present in the House, herself rose to make a statement. She said she had gone for a surprise visit to that hospital on specific complaints. “You are engaged in politically motivated campaign against the government,” she said.
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Activists slam bengal CM’s ‘censorship’
AGE CORRESPONDENT
Kolkata, March 30
Strong reactions came from the civil society after chief minister Mamata Banerjee commented on the “censorship” of newspapers, stating that if necessary she would dictate which newspapers to be read by the people of West Bengal. Ms Banerjee on Thursday during an interview to select television channels had commented: “Aamra ekhon-o boli ni kon kagoj porte hobe, kintu agami dine kintu setao bole debo (Till now, we haven’t made any suggestion regarding which newspapers should be read but in the future, we will do that as well).” She had further added: “Ja mithya, kutsa, apoprochar kora hochhe, tate agami dine bolbo (Given the way lies are being spread and slander and malicious campaigning is going on, I will have to do this in future).”
Writer Suchitra Bhattacharya said, “The chief minister must have the patience to accept criticisms just as she is comfortable in accepting the praises.”