"Bengal not 'begging' but demanding its rights": CM Mamata

On the last day of her three-day Jungle Mahal tour, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several projects in Bankura, West Bengal. The projects, worth a total of Rs 337.53 crore, are aimed at improving the infrastructure and livelihoods of the people living in the region. However, in her speeches, Mamata also used the opportunity to criticize the central government, particularly on the issue of unpaid dues.

In her address to large gatherings in Medinipur, Purulia, and Bankura, Mamata accused the central government of neglecting the state and not releasing funds that are rightfully owed to it. She said that Bengal needs its rights, not begging and that the central government should pay its dues promptly.

The issue of unpaid dues has been a longstanding one between the state and central governments. Mamata has repeatedly accused the center of withholding funds that are due to the state, which has put a strain on the state's finances. This has led to delays in the implementation of various development projects, which has affected the lives of the people of Bengal.

Mamata's latest salvo against the center comes at a time when the state is gearing up for the panchayat elections. The issue of unpaid dues is likely to be a key election issue, with both parties accusing each other of neglecting the state's interests.

Apart from the issue of unpaid dues, Mamata also highlighted the various social schemes that her government has implemented in the state. She said that her government is committed to the welfare of the people and has launched several schemes to improve their lives. These include the Kanyashree scheme, which provides financial assistance to girls to encourage them to continue their education, and the Swasthya Sathi scheme, which provides health insurance to the people of the state.