Mamata slams opposition charge of 'democracy under threat'

Kolkata, Aug 18: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today questioned the opposition parties' contention that "democracy was under threat in the state", wondering if indeed it was true then they would not be able to level this allegation.

On the contrary she accused the opposition parties of trying to "disturb" the peaceful atmosphere in the state at a time when "it is our political challenge to work towards development of Bengal".

"The opposition parties are shouting that democracy is under threat in Bengal. But if it really had been so, then from where they gained this courage to shout so much?" she said.

While addressing a meeting of party MLAs, MPs, councillors and rural body representatives, the Chief Minister hailed the flood relief and rehabilitation work undertaken by her government.

This was possible only because there was proper coordination between all segments of the administration in the flood-affected areas.

She, however, cautioned all concerned about the chances of further heavy shower in the coming months.

She said, "Earlier during the Left rule the rehabilitation work could not be done properly as the relief work was controlled by the party."

The recent floods in Bengal had affected more than 1.19 lakh people, with lakhs of people taking shelter in relief camps in 12 districts across the state. She called for updating the voter list in each block of the state before the next Assembly poll.

PTI