West Bengal CM Alludes to Financial Influence in Sandeshkhali Protest Earlier This Year

Kolkata, Dec 30 (NationPress) On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggested that there was a financial influence affecting the local protests in Sandeshkhali, located in the North 24 Parganas district, particularly among women, earlier this year. The protests were against sexual harassment and illegal land acquisition by Sheikh Shahjahan, a local Trinamool Congress leader who has not been suspended.

This marked the Chief Minister's first public address at Sandeshkhali since the protests began, although she did not explicitly mention the demonstrations. Instead, she alluded to the situation by stating, “There was a money game in Sandeshkhali. People were misled. However, the truth eventually prevails. I urge everyone to stay united and avoid falling into the traps set by deceitful individuals. Women, please feel free to go anywhere you are invited,” the Chief Minister emphasized.

During her address, she also advised the public against paying any fees to access benefits from various social development initiatives, including rural housing projects.

“You have every right to your own finances. The advantages provided by social welfare programs come at no cost. Do not pay anyone for these benefits and services,” the Chief Minister remarked.

Additionally, the Chief Minister unveiled several initiatives for Sandeshkhali, including plans to increase the bed count at Sandeshkhali Rural Hospital from 30 to 50. She also announced the creation of a new sub-division in North 24 Parganas to enhance public services.

Just prior to the Chief Minister's public meeting, Sujay Mondal, a prominent figure in the earlier Sandeshkhali protests, joined the Trinamool Congress. The party's leadership indicated that Mondal, known as Sujay Master in the area, acknowledged his previous errors and chose to rejoin the ruling party.