Projecting the party as the “only viable alternative” for growth and development, the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal released its manifesto here on Tuesday for the Assembly elections.
Criticising the functioning of both the Left Front and the Trinamool Congress, senior BJP leader Ananth Kumar said: “The Communists are a symbol of party hegemony and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee is a symbol of anarchy. While the Left Front has introduced only bandhs and violence in the past 34 years, the Trinamool Congress, being an ally of the Congress in the UPA government, is responsible for food inflation, price rise and multiple financial scams…”
Mr. Kumar said the BJP would ensure good governance, security and prosperity, if voted to power, and would set up industries, revive agriculture and build infrastructure.
When it was pointed out that a section in the manifesto praising Ms. Banerjee for being an “honest person who leads a simple life” contradicted his charges, Mr. Kumar said his statement was in the context of Ms. Banerjee being “part of the most corrupt government … in the country.” “Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is presiding over the most corrupt government in the country …, and anyone who is a part of it cannot be above suspicion,” he said.
Gorkhaland
Asked about the BJP's stand on the Gorkhaland issue, he said: “Development is the main factor …, and only detailed discussions with all parties involved can resolve it.”
About social activist Anna Hazare's fast-unto-death to press for a comprehensive anti-corruption law, Mr. Kumar said the Prime Minister should answer the question on transparency raised after several scams.
Asked about Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar heading the Empowered Group of Ministers on corruption, Mr. Kumar said: “The entire group of Ministers in the UPA Cabinet is tainted, starting from the Prime Minister to the Finance Minister to the former Communications Minister, A. Raja, as they all are involved in mega scams. I do not know how one of them can head an Empowered Group of Ministers on corruption.”
