Bengal BJP alleges diversion of funds; Trinamool hits back

Allegations of midday meal funds being used to pay compensation to Bogtui victims by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has triggered a political slugfest, prompting Leader of the Opposition in the assembly Suvendu Adhikari to send a written complaint to Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday. Adhikari's claims comes a day ahead of the central team's arrival in Bengal to probe matters related to the midday meal scheme.

"I have sent a complaint letter to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and he has assured that after the central team returns, an audit team will be sent to Bengal. The central team is visiting Bengal from Jan 30 to February 6, based on my complaint about midday meal," he said.

Trinamool's Abhishek Banerjee said, "The state has a say in the allocation of money for compensation of Bogtui victims. Does Adhikari mean to say that the victims will not be offered compensation? Even if the state government has allocated from the midday meal, irrigation department or finance department...it is their money."


CPM's former MLA Sujan Chakraborty said, "This allegation is not believable. However, this state government can do anything. This is unacceptable."

Trinamool MP Santanu Sen said, "BJP is trying to create a financial blockade in Bengal. If Adhikari is claiming that a central team will visit on his persuasion, I will urge him to request the Centre to increase the allocation to the midday meal so that children can have quality food."

Meanwhile, a central team, comprising 12 experts, reached Bengal on Sunday evening on a joint review mission of "PM Poshan" and will conduct a review meeting.