Practically no work was done by Left Front government in West Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee

KOLKATA: Chief Minster Mamata Banerjee today alleged that "practically no work" had been done during the previous Left Front rule in West Bengal, while taking stock of the situation in the state by consulting various departments, which she kept to herself in the new government.

"I called all the departments, particularly health, land and land reforms, power, agriculture and education," Banerjee told reporters here.

The chief minister will look after the portfolios of home, land and land reforms, power, agriculture, hill affairs and minority affairs.

She said it became clear after having detailed discussion with the secretaries of the departments that "practically no work has been done over many years during the Left Front's rule."

Asked about governance, Banerjee said, "Political affiliations are a major stumbling block. It delays implementation of government orders. Mere issue of orders is not going to get results. Implementation of them is more important."

She said the chief minister's secretariat would be expanded to facilitate speedy work.

Meanwhile, the newly-appointed ministers formally took charge and had meetings with their respective secretaries.

Today being a Saturday, the flurry of activity seen in the corridors of the secretariat was unusual as previously it used to be a holiday.

The chief minister has convened a meeting of all DMs and SPs on Tuesday afternoon to review the overall law and order situation in the state.