CPI(M) leader expresses scepticism over several rail projects

Press Trust of India / New Delhi July 4, 2009, 17:56 IST

Top West Bengal CPI(M) leader Biman Bose today expressed scepticism over several rail projects announced for the state by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee even as a senior minister welcomed some proposals.     

"Let her first implement all these ambitious projects she has announced for West Bengal, only then can we say anything," Bose said when asked to comment on the rail budget presented by the Trinamool Congress chief.     

Reacting to reported comments by Banerjee that the CPI(M) should now "take some rest", Bose added "we don't have time to take rest as we are busy working for the poor and downtrodden in Bengal. We don't need anyone's advice too."     

However, state Industry Minister Nirupam Sen welcomed the proposal to start a 1000 Mw power plant in Bengal, saying "we have written several letters to the Centre to let us set up industries on railway land lying vacant for decades."     

"Till now we have not been allowed to do so. It is good that some projects have now been announced to be set up on this land. On the whole, I am happy," he added.     

Sen also welcomed the proposal in the rail budget to take over the ailing Burn Standard and Braithwaite, two major wagon manufacturing units in the state. He said CPI(M) MP Basudeb Acharia had earlier written to Banerjee's predecessor Lalu Prasad in this regard.     

Bose and Sen are here to attend the CPI(M) Politburo meeting.