Union minister: Mamata brought growth

Union minister of state for food processing industries & horticulture Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti on Friday showered lavish praises on chief minister Mamata Banerjee, saying she had ushered in development in the state. Speaking at a panel discussion — 5th Agro Protech 2015 — organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Ms Jyoti said, “When the chief minister is a woman and her name in Mamata, it is natural that the people of the state will be happy. Mamata means mother’s affection and love for children. The state is moving on the path of development under Mamata Banerjee.”

According to the minister, Ms Banerjee had been working tirelessly for the progress of Bengal from the day she took over the reins of the state in her hands. “Mamata has a tender heart. She is a woman and a woman has the heart of a mother. A mother often goes without food to feed her child. Mamata is exactly like a mother.” she said.

At a time when the state government has intensified attacks against the Modi government, a Central minister’s adoration for Ms Banerjee assumed significance even as Ms Jyoti assured that her deparment would work in close cooperation with the state government. When asked to comment on the Bengal CM’s repeated complaints that the state government had not received funds for flood rehabilitation, she said, “The Centre is not indulging in any favouritism in allocation of funds. Our government is working completely impartially. I am sure that the Centre will surely allocate funds for flood. “

Ms Jyoti said Bengal has more potential for the growth of food processing industry than any other state in country. She stressed upon the need for setting up small units for food processing. “Land inexpensive in Bengal as in other states. So we have to create small units. Such an unit will also generate employment for those who are uneducated as they can take up the job of packaging. I will speak to the prime minister regarding setting up of such small units,” she added.