Campaigning for the May 7 fifth phase poll in the Maoist-hit Jangalmahal, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee today promised development and jobs for people in the "neglected" region.
She said development of the Maoist-hit districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia was a must and her credentials as a performer were proved by the work she had undertaken for the region as the Union Railway Minister.
The three districts cover most of the 38 constituencies where the fifth phase poll would be conducted. Promising creation of 10 lakh jobs in the first two years of her government, she said, "Industries would be set up in a district where the Left Front has done nothing. But we will not acquire any farmland for the purpose. Let there be agriculture, let there be industry. But let the destructive
CPI-M go," she said.
Addressing an election meeting at Bishnupur in Bankura district, Mamata alleged, "In the name of joint operations against Maoists, common people are being tortured by the CPI-M. We will prove this with documents after the election if we are voted to power."
Banerjee had earlier alleged a nexus between the CPI-M and the Maoists and said the extremists' vote boycott call was designed to help the Marxists win the poll in the region.
"The CPI-M believes that it can stay on in power by killing people. The people will not allow this. We will rescue democracy in the state," she said.
She cautioned state government employees that they would cease to get their salaries next month if the present administration stays in power.
"Development funds from the Centre had been diverted to pay salaries for the past few months as there is no money in the state's coffers," she alleged.
She alleged that BJP, which was not a force to reckon with in West Bengal, was in the fray this time only to divide opposition votes and urged the electorate not to cast their votes in favour of the party.
