Mamata hits out at Bengal Guv Dhankhar again, alleges non-clearance of files

Alleging that Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar was not clearing files, CM Mamata Banerjee said: "He needs to understand that the chief minister is the face of the cabinet."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday, February 21, again attacked governor Jagdeep Dhankhar over “non-clearance” of files.

Addressing mediapersons after a cabinet meeting, she said: “Governor Dhankhar is not signing files and is telling me that they should be approved by the cabinet. He needs to understand that the chief minister is the face of the cabinet. I don't know why he is doing this.”

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Mamata said a few decisions were taken on Deocha Pachami coal block in the Birbhum district. “I will not do anything forcibly. Deocha Pachami is the face of projects in Bengal. A lot of people will get jobs. But a few mine owners are fuelling misunderstanding as they have vested interests in illegal mining,” she said.

Of late, Deocha Pachami has been seeing protests from organisations affiliated with the Left over alleged forcible land acquisition by the government. In fact, a protest led by the Left front in Bolpur was intercepted by police and three persons had been arrested recently. The Left front also tried to stage a protest two days ago when Adivasis influenced by the Trinamool Congress blocked roads leading to Deocha Pachami.

“We shall give compensation for the plots acquired by the government. We are paying double the market price of the land and 100% solatium,” she added.

“Around 35 thousand crore investment will be made in Deocha Pachami coal block. We can generate power for 100 years. I want only locals to get jobs in the area. We have also created three hostels in the area. Around 1 lakh people will get jobs,” she said. “We are not taking land forcibly. We shall acquire the land only if someone willingly gives it up,” she added.