Mamata's BGBS under scanner; CM Suvendu announces probe into ₹635 crore expenditure

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced an investigation into the alleged expenditure of ₹635 crore incurred for organizing the Bengal Global Business Summit during the tenure of the previous state government. Speaking at a press conference at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town, he said the expenditure made through an event management company would be examined and reviewed by the government.

Addressing the issue, the Chief Minister stated that former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had spent ₹635 crore on an event management company for organizing the Bengal Global Business Summit. He said the matter would not be ignored and referred to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Falta "Pushpa" case while reiterating that an investigation would be conducted into the expenditure.

The Bengal Global Business Summit was organized for several years under the previous administration, with claims that industrialists from India and abroad had committed investments in West Bengal. Critics had alleged that many of the proposed projects did not materialize despite substantial spending on the summits. Following the change in government, the state administration has stated that industrial growth and investment promotion remain among its key priorities.

Suvendu Adhikari also outlined the government's plans for industrial development, stating that economic growth is not possible without industry and investment. He said several project proposals had already been received by the government and that a team led by the Industries Secretary had been formed to examine and evaluate those proposals. According to him, the objective is to promote small, medium, and large-scale industries to generate employment, encourage the return of migrant workers, and increase state revenue.

The Chief Minister further said that investors seeking to establish industries in West Bengal would undergo scrutiny before receiving government support. He stated that the administration would verify whether investors genuinely intended to set up industries and examine whether any allegations of land-related or financial irregularities existed against them. He added that the government would assess whether proposed investments were serious industrial initiatives and emphasized transparency in future investment approvals.