Our govt would prefer begging to burdening common man: Mamata

A day after TMC's maiden budget spared the common man, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that her government does not mind seeking alms if the situation demands.

"In the budget presented yesterday, we have not burdened the common people. Our government will not impose any burden so long it is not needed," Banerjee said at the inauguration of the Nagerbazar flyover in Dum Dum area in the metropolis.

"When we find it is absolutely not possible, then we will seek alms from the people," the Chief Minister said.

She pointed out that the state government had to pay Rs 22,000 crore to the Centre towards interest payments and debt servicing.

In spite of this situation, salaries of teachers and government employees were not stopped for a single month since the party came to power in May, she said.

Banerjee said, "Bengal was in number one position, but after 35 years of Left Front rule, the state has slipped."

She said the government would not tolerate any attempt to stall the development process in the state.

The 1.66 kilometre-long flyover was built by Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners (HRBC) at a cost of Rs 160 crore.