Kolkata, 18 December (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday warned that business and investment would not come to the state if industrialists were harassed through central investigative agencies. She said an atmosphere of fear discourages entrepreneurs and hampers industrial growth.

Addressing a business and industry conference in Kolkata, the Chief Minister said repeated use of investigative agencies creates insecurity among business owners. “Industrialists are constantly made to feel uncertain. They do not know what may happen next. In such an environment, industries cannot move forward,” she said. Emphasising the need for autonomy, Banerjee added that governments should not interfere in every aspect of business and that industries must be allowed to function freely.

Raising concerns over the Goods and Services Tax, the Chief Minister questioned the Centre’s approach towards states. She said states no longer have independent taxation powers under the single tax regime. While GST was initially supported in national interest, on the advice of then Finance Minister Amit Mitra, the situation has now changed, she said.

Banerjee alleged that the Centre has withheld the state’s legitimate share of GST dues, claiming that nearly Rs 20,000 crore meant for West Bengal has been deducted. “This money was meant for development and strengthening the state’s economy. Where is the benefit for states and where is the loss?” she asked.

The Chief Minister also took a strong stand against what she described as attempts to malign the image of West Bengal. She said certain sections were deliberately trying to defame the state, ignoring the significant changes it has undergone in recent years.

Highlighting Bengal’s strategic importance, Banerjee said the state has emerged as a major logistics hub and serves as a gateway to South East Asia, eastern India and the North Eastern states. Its proximity to Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha further enhances its strategic value, she added.

She maintained that West Bengal is a peaceful state and claimed that negative narratives and videos circulating on social media are fake and aimed solely at tarnishing its image. “No force can harm Bengal,” the Chief Minister asserted.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh