Don't disrupt development, Mamata warns opposition

In an apparent warning to the Left Front, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday cautioned the opposition not to hatch "conspiracies" for disrupting the developmental work of her government.

"Dhorte parle dhoro (if you can catch me, then catch), lorte parle loro (if you can fight, then fight), korte parle koro (if you can do, then do)...else allow us to do it," Banerjee said.

"Do not conspire to disrupt progress...It won't do any good...better maintain a distance...Development work is going on and it will go on," Banerjee said at an official programme organised by the newly set up tribal development department.

Claiming that she has fulfilled whatever promises the Trinamool Congress made in the election manifesto in 2011, she said: "Not even a single work is pending."

Banerjee said despite the monetary constraints due to the "discriminatory" policies of the central government, the pace of work of her government was unmatched.

"There is no money...they are cutting away our funds...no money, only destruction... but despite that, it is difficult to keep pace with this government's work."

Unveiling a slew of development projects for the welfare of the state's tribal community, Banerjee urged it to come forward and be stakeholders in the growth, development of society and work in government sector.

"You have been exploited and unempowered for many years...you must come forward and participate in the growth and development of society and take part in leadership," she said.

At the event, Banerjee distributed scholarships and bicycles to tribal community members, and felicitated poets, writers and musicians who have contributed to Santhali, Lepcha and Toto culture.

The tribals constitute six percent of the nine crore state population.