Farmers misled over power project: Mamata Banerjee

Six months after violence broke out at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district, after farmers protested there against the acquisition of land for a power grid project, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said people had been misled about the power project and those who wished to talk to her can always approach her.

“Some of the builders like Vedic Village and Unnayan Group who want to put up high-rises here had brought in some outsiders to mislead the farmers. I can’t imagine what kind of ‘lunatics’ have spread the theory that if a power grid is put up here women would become infertile or the crops would dry up,” she said after laying the stone for 18,000-km road works here.

“Truth is that if there is no electricity, you will have a problem with irrigation, children’s education and many such,” she added.

She also alleged that a few Maoists were collecting money from the villagers. “I urge women who are giving shelter to such people not to entertain them. I also know about bombs and arms stored in the villages. If I want, I can get those out in a second. But, I want them to surrender to the police themselves. I am ready to talk to villagers but not with any of the external elements. If you want to talk to me, contact the office of the district SP,” Mamata added.