Mamata Banerjee says corrupt ration dealers linked to CPI(M)

KOLKATA: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that a section of ration dealers owing allegiance to CPI(M) is trying to frustrate her government’s drive to supply essential food materials to the people at a highly subsidised rate.

“My government will not spare any one engaged in hatching conspiracy and intended to disrupt the public distribution system. We are also keeping close watch on such ration dealers,” Banerjee said while addressing the media at the state administrative headquarters at Nabanna on February 8.

The chief minister’s observations came at a time when the opposition CPI(M) is trying to organise a state-wide movement alleging that the state government has been trying to destabilise the rationing system. The Marxists had on February 4 held a demonstration in front of the Khaddya Bhavan to oppose alleged discrimination in distributing digital ration cards to the people.

“Presently seven crore people are getting rice at a rate of Rs 2 per kilogram. About 50 lakh people are getting food materials through the public distribution system at a price which is 50 per cent less than the market price. We are preparing ourselves to give rice at Rs 2 per kilogram to eight crore people,” Banerjee said.

She further said, “Naturally, the CPI(M) is jealous and trying to throttle our move to gain politically.The opposition is more worried as no other state has so far managed to offer rice at such a low rate to so many people.”

The chief minister also expressed concern over the sudden increase in customs duties on life-saving drugs and urged the Centre to reconsider it. “Price rise needs to be addressed urgently. Medicines for cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s, heart and kidney disorders, women’s health will become too expensive following the Centre’s decision. I hope the Centre will reconsider this decision,” she said.