‘People of Bengal will no longer be deprived of central schemes’: Dilip Ghosh

West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh on Monday said all central government schemes that were previously stalled in the state would now be implemented under the newly formed BJP government. Speaking to journalists after a morning walk at Subhas Sarobar ahead of the first cabinet meeting of the new government, Ghosh said people in Bengal would no longer be deprived of benefits from central schemes. He also stated that the distribution of ministerial portfolios would follow a process decided by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and the party leadership.

Referring to the ongoing global conflicts and rising fuel prices, Ghosh said disruptions in international oil supply systems over the past three years had affected economies worldwide. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had maintained communication with nearly 40 countries to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and claimed that India had also assisted Bangladesh with oil during the crisis. He further urged people to use resources such as gas and fuel carefully given the global situation.

During his interaction with local residents at Subhas Sarobar, Ghosh raised concerns regarding civic infrastructure in the area. He claimed that despite large amounts of money being spent in the past, basic problems related to toilets and drinking water remained unresolved. He also alleged that sitting areas had earlier been demolished for political reasons and asserted that the new government would work to end what he described as disorder, bomb culture, and gun violence in the state.

Commenting on the Chandranath Rath murder case, Ghosh said the arrest of three alleged sharpshooters from Uttar Pradesh was alarming and added that the police had been given complete operational freedom to act against organised crime. He stated that the government aimed to create an atmosphere where people could live without fear. He also said the BJP government would proceed according to its earlier commitments regarding publication of the 2016 OMR sheets.

At a separate tea gathering in Beleghata, Ghosh strongly criticised the previous Trinamool Congress government and accused it of blocking central funds, promoting syndicate activities, and protecting anti-social elements. He stated that the BJP government would initially function with a small cabinet and reiterated the party’s commitment to building “Sonar Bangla.” Ghosh also said many industrialists were interested in investing in Bengal and welcomed proposals to develop a technology hub in the state. On administrative reshuffles, he stated that recognition would depend on performance and participation in building a “new Bengal.”