New Delhi, February 25: Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee today refuted charges that her budget was “populist or West Bengal-oriented” saying she had kept the interest of the nation in mind and given projects to every region.
Countering CPI(M)’s allegations that she had made Railways bankrupt, she said, “Their government (in West Bengal) is bankrupt. It has Rs two lakh crore debt. Charity begins at home.”
On charges of populism, Banerjee said, “They are opportunist people. If this is pro-people let it be populist.
When they know they cannot fight they make all such allegations. We have given projects to entire country including Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Assam. Bengal is not outside India.”
She said her opponents were “till yesterday shouting that Railways will not be able to pay dividends. Today you see the magic. Our financial performance is strong.
–Agencies