Finding it difficult to meet Bengal officials for development work: Union Minister Babul Supriyo

Newly-appointed Union minister of state for Urban Development Babul Supriyo has said in Kolkata that he is finding it difficult to meet West Bengal government officials to discuss development work in the state. An MP from the state, Supriyo, who had sought a meeting with the state government officials concerned to discuss JNNURM project implementation at Durgapur and Asansol, said that on Saturday "we were informed verbally that the officials will be busy in a meeting with Bengal Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim."

"I think that the Centre and the state should work together," Supriyo said here, claiming that he had called Hakim five or six times but did not get any response. Supriyo said that the planned discussion with state officials, on a field visit to Asansol and Durgapur for a review of implementation of JNNURM projects, had to be postponed owing to the unavailability of the officials. The first-time MP from Asansol, claimed that in contrast, the Maharashtra government was in touch with him to discuss development work.

"I will go to the state minister's office immediately after landing in Mumbai," he said about his visit there on November 21. The singer-turned politician, however, said that he would give the benefit of doubt to the West Bengal government as he had asked for the meeting at a short notice, but hastened to add that it was "unfortunate" that the meeting could not take place.