Political differences not to hamper WB's development: Jaitley

The FM was in the Kolkata for the launch of city-based Bandhan Financial Services' full-fledged commercial banking operations

Calling for more economic activity in eastern states, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said political differences between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress will not come in way of development of West Bengal as he lamented "obsolete policies" of past.

"... The party to which I belong (BJP) and the party which rules West Bengal (TMC) are strongly opposed to each other and that probably will continue. But in terms of development of this country and the state, the political differences between the two will not matter and we will fully cooperate in the development and growth of the state of West Bengal," he said at the inauguration of Bandhan Bank here.

Jaitley said it was "a break from some of the obsolete policies of the past and the realisation of the potential of this area which is of extreme importance."

The Centre and the state are cooperating towards a greater enhanced growth rates that will eventually bring prosperity in the state, he said.

He added the change in developmental politics and developmental environment will be created by institutions like Bandhan Bank.

Jaitley was in the town for the launch of city-based Bandhan Financial Services' full-fledged commercial banking operations.

"In fact Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly declared that for further growth of India, the growth of eastern states is important," he said.

West Bengal, which has created huge number of scientists, economists, academicians, authors and writers, is now creating the Bangla entrepreneur and "this is a great beginning," he said.

"I think this beginning is also important in terms of the return of entrepreneurship to the state of West Bengal, which was otherwise fleeing from the state. If this were to happen, I am sure the state would be on a great path to progress," he said.