Mamata accuses CPI(M) of looting crores in West Bengal

Kolkata, April 22: Accusing the ruling CPI(M) of having "looted crores" in West Bengal over the last three decades, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today said all "dirty deals" would be probed if her party comes to power.

"When we assume responsibility, all dirty deals and overall financial mess will be looked into," Banerjee said, stressing that democracy and people will be the focus of her party.

In an interview to PTI in the midst of her hectic campaigning, 56-year-old Banerjee rubbished charges that black money was used to fund the Trinamool campaign in the state.

The CPI(M) had asked the Election Commission to take measures in checking alleged use of black money by the Trinamool Congress in the West Bengal Assembly elections, saying there was already evidence of use of illegal money in the state.

Banerjee pooh poohed West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's claim that the Trinamool Congress had no policy and that the Left was the only alternative to the Left.

"That is the same Chief Minister who gave us Singur. That is the same Chief Minister who gave us Nandigram. That is the same Chief Minister who is now saying sorry for his previous misdeeds. After Singur I do not think the people will believe him if he says that he is pro farmer and pro worker."

On CPI(M)'s campaign that law and order would deteriorate in the event of the Trinamool and Congress alliance coming to power and that women would not be able to venture out onto the streets, the TC chief said, "This is a regime during whose time innocent girls were raped, mothers lost their sons, daughters their fathers, wives their husbands.

"Netai massacre, Kashipur massacre, Sainbari massacre, the list is long. Thousands of our party workers have been killed. Bengal longs for peace. The people of Bengal know that the shortest way to bring lasting peace is not through the CPI(M)....they will only trust the Trinamool Congress. We will definitely ensure that the law and order situation in the state is good," she said.

Asked if the Railway ministry would continue to remain with the party in the event of her becoming the CM, she replied in the affirmative.

"The Railway Ministry will remain with our party after the elections. So, all projects and plans that were announced will be completed on time," she said.

PTI