Mamata criticises Centre for not developing infrastructure for

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday criticised the BJP-led government at the Centre for not developing the infrastructure at Sagar Island, where the annual Ganga Sagar Mela is held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

She also criticised the erstwhile Left Front government in the state for not developing the area during its 34-year-long rule.

Banerjee said that the TMC government has worked for the uplift of the area and also withdrawn the tax that was collected from the pilgrims to the Gangasagar Mela.

Besides, the TMC government has introduced insurance of Rs five lakh per pilgrim who visit the Ganga Sagar Mela, which is set to begin on January 11.

Banerjee, who visited Sagar Island during the day, without naming any party told newsmen, "Gangasagar Mela is at par with Kumbh Mela. Every year 30-40 lakh people come here. Visiting Sagar Island is tough as people have to cross rivers by boats and launches to reach here. But there is railway connectivity to places where the Kumbh Melas are held."