FM Sitharaman Slams West Bengal’s Economic Downturn and Law Enforcement Lapses

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 28th Feb. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a scathing attack at West Bengal’s economic decline and law enforcement failures during her address at the National Library on Tuesday. Sitharaman highlighted several economic indicators and recent incidents, including the unrest in Sandeshkhali, to underscore the challenges faced by the state.

Expressing grave concern over the Sandeshkhali incident, Sitharaman criticized the state government’s lack of action, labeling it as “sheer audacity.” She questioned the leadership’s tolerance for such negligence and accused them of selective responsiveness to political expediency.

Referencing the delayed arrest of the prime accused in the Sandeshkhali case, Sheikh Shahjahan, Sitharaman criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership’s handling of the situation. She emphasized the imperative for transparency and accountability in law enforcement.

Highlighting West Bengal’s poor rankings across various policy, judicial, and law enforcement parameters, Sitharaman underscored the urgent need for governance reforms. She cited instances of violence against central officials, attacks on political figures, and allegations of corruption within the state administration as evidence of deteriorating conditions.

Sitharaman also raised concerns about factors driving industries out of Bengal, including power shortages, law and order issues, and rampant corruption. She criticized the prevalence of the “cut money” culture and the inadequate intervention by law enforcement agencies to address citizen grievances.

She called for collective efforts to address these issues and ensure the state’s progress and prosperity.