Mamata Banerjee Addresses Flood Crisis in Bengal, Criticizes Central Government

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee convened a meeting to tackle floods impacting several districts. She criticized the BJP-led Central government for neglect and called for emergency funds. Rescue operations are ongoing, with significant damage reported. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari blamed Banerjee for the crisis.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a critical meeting on Sunday to address the escalating flood situation across Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, South Dinajpur, North Dinajpur, Malda, and Murshidabad. Speaking from Siliguri, CM Banerjee urged residents to evacuate dilapidated houses and steer clear of electric wires. She announced financial aid for severely damaged shops in Vidhan Market, with Rs 1 lakh allocated to each of six completely damaged shops and Rs 50,000 to those less affected.

Banerjee emphasized that all district magistrates, councils, panchayats, and municipal bodies have been alerted in preparation for potential further flooding. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are ready, she added. Criticizing the BJP-led Central government, she accused it of neglecting the state's flood crisis, stating, "Nothing has been done; the entire north Bengal is submerged."

Rescue and relief efforts are in full swing, with the Chief Secretary deployed to North Bengal. Banerjee assured that evacuations and assistance are ongoing, with updates pending a further meeting. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari blamed Banerjee for the floods, calling the situation a failure of the ruling TMC. Banerjee reiterated her plea to the Central government for emergency funds to aid recovery, stating five million people have been affected.

(With inputs from agencies.)