- By Kamal Kumar
- Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:41 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday lashed out at one of his ministers, Sujit Bose, for the encroachment on government land in Howrah, asking 'why his people encroached illegally in Salt Lake.' Mamata's outburst came during a meeting with the officials of Howrah Municipal Corporation, where, she said that the encroachment on government land in the area is the biggest problem. She further directed the police and the state's chief secretary to investigate complaints of illegal land grabbing.
Chiding her own administration, she said that everyone, including officers to police, is involved in extortion. CM further said that the encroachment is the biggest problem, and people are being made to sit as soon as they see vacant space.
"Some people are taking money in return and some people are giving money," Mamata added.
"Government land has been encroached upon, Howrah Police and State Chief Secretary are directed to investigate, and action will be taken against whoever is behind this," Mamata said.
Taking note of the pitiful condition of the Howrah, she further criticised the attempts to steal public land by encroachers. West Bengal CM also made scathing remarks on illegal construction in the area: "Howrah is full of illegal construction, the drain is not there yet," she chided.
She added further, "Why illegal construction is not being demolished? From officers to police, everyone is involved in extortion. Why are Sujit Bose's (Fire Minister) people encroaching illegally in Salt Lake? Why are the councillors there not working? They are elected representatives."
After the meeting, Mamata also remarked on the Teesta water treaty, claiming that the decisions were being taken without the consent of the state. "Anything is being done without talking to Bengal. There is no water in Teesta, yet water is being given to Bangladesh and that too without talking to us," Mamata said as quoted by ANI.