New Delhi, May 25: In his daylong campaign in Murshidabad, including his constituency of Jangipur, Union Finance Minister and Congress veteran Pranab Mukherjee today launched a sharp attack on the ruling CPM accusing it of “cheating” people by not passing on the benefits of the Central funds to them. He, however, steered clear of any reference to his party’s estranged ally Trinamool Congress, which has fielded Congress rebels for the civic polls in his bastion.
Mukherjee held road shows and public meetings in various municipalities of Murshidabad and Jangipur municipalities.
“The Central government, on the basis of the 4th Finance Commission, allotted Rs 840 crore to the state government, which was to give it to the municipalities but did not. It cheated the people. It is because of the state government that for the past 25 years, development has been stalled,” Mukherjee said at a rally at Dhulian.
The minister also attacked the CPM for not submitting a plan to control the Padma-Ganga erosion and blamed the state government for the delay in providing help to affected people in Murshidabad.
The Congress veteran did not utter a word against Mamata Banerjee or her party, instead asking Congress leaders to concentrate their attack against the CPM and avoid remarks against the Trinamool.
Meanwhile, Banerjee also struck a conciliatory note saying she would remain with the UPA for full five years. Addressing a big gathering in Burrabazar, she said, “We will be with the UPA government at the Centre for full five years. Let others say whatever they want to.”
She too focused her attack on the CPM, blaming it for lack of development in Burrabazar, the business heart of the city. “They set fire to Nandram Market and could not take any development initiative here. They are saying they will give jobs to one lakh Muslims within a few months. I want to tell them there are over 2 crore Muslims here. They are just bluffing the people, including Muslims,” she said.
She urged the people to vote for Trinamool and no other party. “Please keep your trust on our candidates and vote for them. They (CPM) have failed, but we will do it. Do not vote for CPM, Congress or BJP,” she said.
—-Agencies