Babul Supriyo faces protest in cyclone-hit areas

Union Minister Babul Supriyo on Wednesday faced protest during his visit to cyclone- affected areas in South 24 Paraganas district. Supriyo, who earlier said that he was visiting the affected areas under instruction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was shown black flags by a section of locals. The agitators also raised slogans of “go back” against the Minister.

During his visit to Namkhana in the district, one of the worst-affected areas, Supriyo’s convoy was blocked by protesters who showed him black flags. However, the Minister continued with his visit.

“I know such things will happen. These so-called protesters are Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadres. But I have come here to do my work and such things cannot stop me,” said Supriyo.

During his visit to Bakkhali, Supriyo alleged that TMC workers who earlier did not bother about relief work were rushing to give them to affected people after he arrived in the area.

A section of locals in the area claimed that they have not received any food from the government for the last five days. But hours before the Union Minister’s arrival, TMC workers rushed to their village with relief materials.

The locals further alleged that for the last five days, they have been running pillar to post for relief materials.

“This is what Mamata Banerjee has done by staying awake all night at the state secretariat. People are suffering but her boys are busy extorting cut money and relief materials are being stolen,” said Supriyo.

Earlier, the Minister said that his visit to the cyclone-affected areas have nothing to do with politics. “I just want to see the situation at the ground level and submit a report to the Centre. This has no connection with politics,” said Supriyo.

His comments drew a sharp retort from Education Minister Partha Chatterjee. “No other Chief Minister can do what Mamata Banerjee has done for cyclone-affected people. Where was her when the cyclone ravaged the area?,” said Chatterjee.