CPI-M took Bengal back by decades: Mamata

Kolkata, March 17: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday lashed out at the CPI-M, accusing it of taking the state back by decades and spreading negativity about her government now.

“Those who took the state back by decades are spreading hate, falsehoods and negativity now. Those who can’t win by votes, indulge in slandering,” she said at a meeting at Birpara of Alipurduar district.

“The new generation of youth in Bengal will take the state forward. Bengal is turning around,” she said.

Banerjee, also the Trimool Congress supremo, attacked the central government for slashing funds for the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and plight of labourers.

“The centre stopped funds for ICDS scheme. We are now funding the scheme. We will keep running Anganwadi centres,” Banerjee asserted.

Ahead of the crucial assembly polls, Banerjee had earlier announced her government’s decision to take over engineering firm Jessop and tyre maker Dunlop India. Recently, two bills were passed in the state assembly for taking over the industrial units run by the Pawan Ruia Group.

“We took over Dunlop and Jessop factories because we care for the welfare for workers. We will not allow the innocent workers and labourers to suffer because of the central government,” she said. (IANS)