Mamata threatens stir over flood relief

Hitting out at the Narendra Modi government yet again for not providing flood relief fund to West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday threatened to "snatch" what she said was the state's right.

"Despite our repeated pleas, the central government has not released the relief fund.

"If we do not get the money from the Centre, there will be protests. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose said that if one does not get what he rightfully deserves, then it should be snatched," Banerjee said addressing an event in Bandwan of Purulia district.

Banerjee, who in August met Modi and sought Rs.21,000 crore for relief and reconstruction work for the flood-ravaged 12 Bengal districts, has been repeatedly slamming the centre over the issue charging it with 'step-motherly treatment'.

Banerjee's comments came even as as Trinamool Congress, during the day, raised the matter in parliament.

While leader of the party in the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay pleaded with the Centre to "deal with flood and drought in Bengal in equal priority as flood in Tamil Nadu", Derek O'Brien raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha.

Mamata Banerjee also inaugurated several projects related to eco-tourism, roads, water supply health care and announced sanctioning of Rs.50 crore for the people affected by a drought-like situation in Purulia district.