West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday outlined his administration's achievements in its first month, addressing issues from census work to land allocation for border fencing, and emphasized how the new BJP government has resolved deadlocks that persisted during the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime.
Administrative Meeting Highlights
After chairing an administrative meeting in Kolaghat covering East Midnapore, West Midnapore, and Jhargram districts, Adhikari stated that census work, which had been stalled by the previous government, has now resumed. He also noted the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the state, replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), a move that the former government had failed to execute.
Land Transfer for Border Fencing
Adhikari announced that the Bengal government has begun handing over land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing the India-Bangladesh border, a contentious issue between the Centre and the previous TMC government. This step marks a significant shift in policy under the new administration.
Welfare Schemes and Central Collaboration
The Chief Minister highlighted that over 50 lakh women have received Rs 3,000 each under the Annapurna Yojana. He also emphasized the state's agreement with the Union health ministry to implement Ayushman Bharat and the allocation of central funds for the Jal Jeevan Mission, showcasing improved cooperation with the central government.
Praise for Prime Minister Modi
Describing the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Adhikari said, "Modi-ji has taken India to newer heights over the past 12 years," underscoring the BJP's vision for national development.
Opposition Attendance and Constructive Dialogue
TMC MPs Dev and June Malia, along with party MLAs Shiuli Saha and Dinen Roy, attended the administrative meeting. All 35 invited MLAs, including those from TMC, were present. Adhikari noted that one TMC MP acknowledged the freedom to speak and offered constructive proposals. "We want to create this bond," the CM said after the three-hour meeting.
Ghatal Master Plan Assurance
The CM assured that the much-awaited Ghatal Master Plan will be implemented, following detailed discussions with Ghatal MP Dev. Welcoming the assurance, Dev praised the spirit of cooperation. "I have always believed in politics based on mutual respect. Political differences may exist but personal attacks have never been my way. The CM has given his word that Ghatal Master Plan will be implemented… that is the most important assurance I could receive," he said.
Cost-Cutting Measures
Adhikari pointed out that while the previous TMC government spent Rs 5 crore per administrative meeting, the current meeting was conducted with basic arrangements costing less than Rs 5 lakh. "Had the previous govt saved this money, it would have helped purchase X-ray machines and other gadgets for rural health centres," he added.
Inclusive Governance Praised
MLA Shiuli Saha took a sharp jibe at the previous regime, praising the new CM's inclusive approach. She remarked that earlier there was a sharp "us versus them" discrimination, but Adhikari wanted to move forward by taking everyone along.
