BJP questions Mamata decision to shun central schemes, ban film Party will ensure that Bhabishyoter Bhoot is screened in all states where it is in power

TT, 23 February 2019, Siliguri: The BJP on Saturday accused chief minister Mamata Banerjee of depriving Bengal people of benefits under central social welfare schemes and raised questions on Bengali movie Bhabishyoter Bhoot being pulled out of theatres in the state.

“I can read out a list of central schemes launched by the Narendra Modi government. But we have to see whether people of Bengal are getting their benefits. The chief minister has said the state will not implement some important schemes which could have benefited crores of people. It is unfortunate people could not avail themselves of benefits under such schemes because of whimsical political decisions,” Rajya Sabha member Swapan Dasgupta said here.

He was here with state BJP leader Sayantan Basu to attend a party event.

The MP referred to Ayushman Bharat, the health insurance scheme launched by the NDA government, and the recent announcement by the Centre that it would extend a financial assistance of Rs 6,000 each to farmers every year.

“The chief minister objected to the implementation of the health insurance scheme as it carried photos of the Prime Minister. She said the state would provide annual assistance of Rs 5,000 to farmers. We do not have any problem if she pays the money but she should not deprive them of the same assistance from the Centre as a farmer will get Rs 11,000 a year,” he added.

Bringing up Mamata’s criticism of the Centre, Dasgupta told journalists: “Under federalism, both the Centre and states have some powers and responsibilities. They must work together for the prosperity of the country. But it seems Mamata wants new rules.”

Basu sought to attack Mamata by referring to protests against a Bengali movie recently. “The chief minister had criticised protests against the release of a Hindi film in other states. But a Bengali film has been pulled out of theatres in her state. We will soon speak to people associated with the film industry and ensure that the movie is screened in the states where the BJP is in power,” said Basu.

Screening of Bhabishyoter Bhoot directed by Anik Dutta was stopped a few days back.

Dasgupta and Basu spoke also to stakeholders of tea industry to know the problems in the sector.