West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hurls Delhi 'laddoos' barb at BJP over rising prices

DARJEELING: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday hurled the Delhi "laddoos" barb at BJP, saying they are to be seen only during polls and not after it.
"It is only during elections that some political party comes with promises to seek votes. But after that, they are nowhere to be seen. This party does not love people. They only want unrest and creates chaos for political gains," Banerjee said.
The CM added, "Should the people eat the BJP and Delhi 'laddoos' with such hikes in prices of essential commodities? Why can't the BJP government provide free education to the over-17,000 students, including 400 from Bengal, who returned from Ukraine? I asked for subsidy support to Darjeeling Hills, and that too has been turned down. We (state government) on the other hand make promises and deliver."
Banerjee highlighted the price hike in petrol, diesel and domestic gas and alleged reluctance of the central government to provide subsidy to Darjeeling Hills like the northeastern states and support the now-returned Indian students displaced from Ukraine to make her case.
On her interaction with Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, TMC and the Hamro Party, whom the Bengal CM called friends and main political parties of the Hills, Banerjee said: "I met the four main political parties. They are happy. However, I want them not to quarrel amongst each other and instead work for the Hills for 10 years. They will see the benefit. Political parties should work for the 'janta', which is why we are in politics."
Banerjee attended a government programme at Chowrasta and inaugurated nine projects for Darjeeling and Kalimpong, distributed land pattas and widow pension and promised more doles to the people. "Our government is providing land rights, implementing schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar, Krishak Bandhu, students credit card, Swastha Saathi and constructing houses for tea garden workers and Chai Sundari," she said.
Asserting that election will be held for the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration soon, the CM said it was important to have elected representations. "I want elected representatives to work for the people. At the moment Darjeeling is happy and this happens when Darjeeling smiles," she said.
The Bengal chief minister will leave for the plains of Siliguri on Wednesday to attend a government programme before heading back to Kolkata.