Buddha defends industrialisation

Breaking his long silence,West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has strongly defended his industrialisation drive,saying his efforts and plans to “change Bengal” were never a part of any political agenda but emanated purely from a well-planned “development perspective”.

“It (industrialisation) is not simply a political slogan but a well-planned development perspective,” he said. “No doubt (the) government is facing many obstacles from the Opposition in many parts of the state but we cannot stop industrialisation. Because it is the need of the hour. Industry is particularly necessary for the young generation.” This and more of Bhattacharjee’s mind can be accessed on a web portal launched by the CPM last week with a view to using the virtual space to express the party’s views on controversial issues. The CM responded to queries on the portal on issues ranging from the Maoist problem,industrialisation of the state and the next Assembly polls.

On Lalgarh and Junglemahal,Bhattacharjee alleged that the Trinamool was trying to enter Junglemahal with the help of Maoists. In Junglemahal,the TMC had no follower but with an eye on the next Assembly elections,it had been supporting the Maoists. “The main opposition party wants to be the ruling party in (the) state by hook or crook… they support Maoist annihilation programme in Junglemahal where they have no following. They want to enter into Junglemahal with the help of Maoists,” he wrote.