The West Bengal government has made arrangements to ensure the return of the State’s residents stranded in other States, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said. In two tweets on Monday, Ms. Banerjee said the State government will provide “possible help to people of Bengal stuck in diff(erent) parts of the country” to bring them back, and that “All students from Bengal stuck in Kota [Rajasthan] would begin their journey back soon.”
“I have instructed my officers to do the needful. Till the time I am here, nobody from Bengal should feel helpless. I’m with you in these tough times,” Ms Banerjee tweeted.
“I am personally overseeing this and we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that everyone gets possible help,” she tweeted.
Number of COVID-19 cases increased in Bengal from 461 to 504, in last 24 hours. While the number of persons expired remains at 20, the tests gone up by a record 1150 samples, from 10893 on Sunday to 12043 on Monday.
Ms. Banerjee, meanwhile, said that the lockdown restriction will continue till May 21. “Centre will decide on lockdown. But the State will have orange red and green zones. No planes, no trains no inter-state buses,” she said. Criticising the Centre for inconsistent COVID-combat policy, she said that the State has incurred losses of ₹5 lakh crore. “Only burning no earning,” she said
No Congress role
Ms. Banerjee also denied any role of Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in bringing the students back.
Couple of days back Congress’ leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury released an appeal addressing Ms. Banerjee, stating that a “few thousands students — whose parents sold property to make them study in Kota — are stranded.”
Mr. Chowdhury added that Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had told him that he could transport the students up to Bengal’s border but the State government “has to ensure safe passage to respective homes.”
However, TMC leaders denied that Mr. Chowdhury had a role in bringing the students back.
“State government has already been in consultation with administration in other States, considering factors like distance and other logistical issues. Chief Minister has been coordinating such movements for some time and many have arrived in the State and sent to their respective States from various points in Bengal by the State Transport Corporation. The State administration planned well in advance which helped to contain the spread of the virus,” said Omprakash Mishra, a TMC core committee member.
