Mithun Chakraborty joins Mamata during Raniganj rally

In a bid to garner votes ahead of general elections, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee used 'star appeal' in the form of Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty to woo voters at a massive rally in Raniganj.

Chakraborty, who was recently elected as TMC Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, added spark to the rally.

Taking a dig at Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Banerjee, said the former had drained the coffers of the state government.

"Communist Party of India-Marxist had borrowed money from the federal government and in order to repay, they are draining the coffer of West Bengal government. During the first year, we generated rupees 210 billion and the federal government took away the entire amount. The second year, we had more income amounting to rupees 320 billion and rupees 250 billion were taken away. How do I feed my people? This year we have earned rupees 400 billion and the federal government has demanded rupees 280 billion. The central government has taken away rupees 760 billion from the West Bengal government," said Banerjee on Friday.

Banerjee also accused central government for not granting funds under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Generation Scheme (MNREGA), which ensures 100 days work for the unemployed rural people.