Nandigram/Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday highlighted the state's poor fiscal health, stating that the government would fulfil its promises in phases as it works to revive the economy after what he termed as 49 years of Left and TMC misgovernance.
State's Dire Financial Condition
"The condition of the state's exchequer is bad. But we will fulfil our promises in stages. The Centre is helping us as much as it can. We are hopeful of changing the condition of the state soon," Adhikari said while addressing a rally in Nandigram.
The state's debt stands at around Rs 7.9 lakh crore, while its debt-to-GSDP ratio is nearly 38%, making Bengal one of the most debt-stressed states in India. During a recent meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya had also highlighted the state's weak fiscal condition.
"It's just been two weeks that we have started working. We will have to pull the state out of this dismal state," Adhikari added.
Promises on Safety and Democracy
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said: "Women need safety and security, and people want democracy. There will not be any difference between our promise and delivery."
Referring to his decision to retain the Nandigram seat after winning both Bhowanipore and Nandigram, Adhikari said, "I have been with Nandigram since 2006 when I was not even an MLA. I have not changed. There is no reason why you should fear losing your friend Suvendu. He was with you and will remain so."
Appeal for Support in Bypoll
He urged voters to support the BJP candidate in the upcoming bypoll as they had done in Falta. He also paid tribute to political workers who died in alleged political violence.
"The last Chief Minister didn't even issue death certificates to seven martyr families. They had to suffer. I will make all accountable," Adhikari added.
