Mamata Banerjee blames Centre for stalling funds for projects

Banerjee blamed the Centre for stalling funds for projects like MNREGA and Sarva Siksha Abhiyan saying that the state government was to receive Rs 8000 crore of which Rs 5000 crore was not sanctioned.

Listing the achievements of her two-and-a-half year old state government, the chief minister claimed that double of what was promised in the elections in 2011 had been achieved.

Claiming that the state was now growing at a higher rate,she said this year's income would be around Rs 40,000 crore but out of which Rs 28,000 crore would be paid as interest to the Centre for loans taken by the earlier Left Front government.

Blaming the CPI(M) for the chit-fund scam, she said it was during Left rule that companies like Saradha and Sanchayita had started.

"They are like pick-pockets who flee once their job is done," she said about chit-fund operators and pointed out that her government has paid Rs 500 crore and would give Rs 10,000 each to poor victims who lost their money.

On the issue of land acquisition, she said if farmers were willing to give land she would not interfere.

"I respect their right. I do not want to create any imbalance," Banerjee said.

Unlike bigger parties like the BJP and Congress, she said her party was poor and did not have thousands of crores to spend on publicity.

"My Facebook account is run by three people only. I decide the matter, one person types it and another posts it," Banerjee said.

She also asked party workers to follow the leadership.

"Individual opinions can be discussed in the party but the party decision will be final."