In an exclusive conversation with ABP News, West Bengal minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay talked about a range of issues including the controversy over CM Mamata’s photo on G20 posters and TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha’s backing of Rahul Gandhi as PM candidate.
Mamata’s Photo On G20 Poster
West Bengal minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay has reacted to the controversy on CM Mamata Banerjee’s photo on G20 posters. He said that people can see it as politics adding had it happened in Uttar Pradesh or Chennai, the photo of respective CMs would have been on the posters.
He said that representatives from diverse backgrounds come to the G20 meeting and they should see how the government of that particular state is working.
“We show them how well our state is running, PM is always there as it is an international affair, but our state would also be there, and I don’t think there is any problem with it”, the minister said.
State Govt’s Home Guard Scheme
On the allegations of BJP that the TMC is willing to recruit its cadre as home guards, he said, “Everyone should get a job. Giving Rs 500 a day ensures only minimum wage to the poor people.”
Refuting BJP’s accusations of corruption he said that when Covid-19 hit the country, only two states in India had positive GDP growth.
“One is Tamil Nadu and the second is West Bengal and the rest of the states had negative GDP growth. It happened because Mamata ji gave money into the hands of the poor”, he said.
Standing Committee Issue
When asked if TMC MPs will take part in standing committees, he alleged that the Central government is trying to destroy democracy. He said, “We have standing committees in our state, and BJP leaders are part of it. It is all about democracy.”
He said that the Bharatiya Janta party is against the republic of the country as it is denying a place in standing committees to the third largest party in the country.
“Centre will get a response at the right time,” he added.
Shatrughan Sinha Supporting Rahul Gandhi As PM Candidate
On TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha’s support to Rahul Gandhi as the PM candidate, Chattopadhyay said, “It is his personal opinion and not of party’s. Whenever we take a decision, we will let you know.”