Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to visit Sandeshkhali in the North 24 Parganas district on Monday, marking her first trip to the riverine island in the Sundarbans since the sexual harassment controversy involving the ruling party surfaced.
Details On Mamata’s Visit To Sandeshkhali
Speaking at the state secretariat, Nabanna, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief stated that the visit is focused on distributing benefits under state government schemes and addressing local grievances. “This will be a government programme,” Banerjee clarified.
The Chief Minister highlighted that several initiatives under schemes like ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ and ‘Banglar Bari’ have been completed, with approximately 20,000 residents set to benefit. “I aim to hand over certificates to about 100 beneficiaries on stage,” she said.
Banerjee also noted that the visit was part of a pre-election commitment. “Before the Lok Sabha elections, people asked me if I would visit Sandeshkhali. I assured them I would come later and now I am fulfilling that promise,” she stated.
BJP’s Counter-Event Scheduled For Tomorrow
In response to Banerjee’s visit, BJP Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has announced a counter-event in Sandeshkhali, scheduled for the following day. Adhikari will lead a ‘Jana Sanjog Yatra’ to engage with residents and present the BJP’s vision for the region.
The timing of Banerjee’s visit has raised political tensions in the area, especially in the wake of the recent controversy. While TMC maintains the visit is purely administrative, the BJP has criticised it as an attempt to deflect attention from the allegations and consolidate voter support.
With both leaders set to visit Sandeshkhali within 24 hours, the political atmosphere in the region is expected to intensify as they vie for influence in the Sundarbans ahead of crucial electoral battles.
