May 11, 2018: The eviction drive and suspension of social securities have turning into major political issues and giving a breathing space to the Opposition. After CPIM, today Congress leaders breathed fire against the ruling BJP-IPFT coalition over demolition issue. Speaking to media, PCC Chief Birjit Sinha and former CLP leader Gopal Roy warned that major protest agitations would be started from May 17 – if the Government demolishes one more Party Office.
Sharply reacting to today’s road blockade by Congress, State general secretary of BJP, Pratima Bhowmik said, both Congress and CPIM have become politically bankrupt and that is why these parties are protesting against Govt’s bid to free Government land from illegal possession. She said, it is wrong that Party Offices of Congress and CPIM have only been demolished – but at many places, BJP and BMS Offices have also been demolished in accordance with the Government’s order.
Besides, Congress leaders also raised the issue of eviction notices served to residents along the Howrah River Bank. Both Sinha and Roy condemned such notices which asked the occupants to vacate the lands within a week. In reply, Pratima Das said, BJP also demands rehabilitation of the shanty dwellers. However, BJP’s demand came with a rider. Partima Das said, there are many households living on the Bank of Howrah River where families members are employed in Government organizations. “These families will be identified and later real beneficiaries will be given rehabilitation”, she commented.
Congress leader also thrashed the BJP-IPFT Govt for suspending payment of social pensions. Birajit Sinha and Gopal Roy alleged, suspension of social pensions have pushed several families into dire economic condition.
However, Pratima Das said, the payments of social pensions have only been suspended temporarily. She said, Government received several complaints about deprivation of genuine beneficiaries. After addressing the complaints, the pensions will resume, she asserted.
