Kolkata, 07 March (H.S.): Actor and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mithun Chakraborty on Saturday expressed concern over the law and order situation in West Bengal, saying the safety of people has become the biggest issue in the state. He said that ensuring the security of women and common citizens would be the top priority if the BJP forms the government in the state.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP’s state headquarters in Salt Lake in connection with the party’s “Parivartan Yatra”, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan recipient said the current situation was worrying as even the state’s chief minister was advising women not to venture out at night. He said Kolkata once had a reputation as a city where people could move around freely even late at night, but that environment no longer exists.
Raising concerns over increasing violence, Chakraborty alleged that incidents of murder, bomb blasts and political clashes had become almost routine in West Bengal. A state once known for its peace and rich cultural heritage, he said, is now witnessing a troubling situation.
He also flagged the issue of border security, saying a large stretch of West Bengal’s long international border remains unfenced and vulnerable. According to him, the central government had repeatedly sought land from the state government to strengthen border fencing, but the required cooperation had not been forthcoming. He alleged that the situation increases the risk of illegal infiltration, which could impact the state’s social and political balance.
Chakraborty further alleged that an atmosphere of fear and intimidation was being created in the state ahead of elections. He said incidents of explosions, clashes and alleged attacks on opposition political programmes were adding to such concerns. The BJP, he said, wanted to conduct its political activities peacefully but was repeatedly facing obstacles.
Criticising the state government on economic and administrative issues, he said government employees were still awaiting payment of pending dearness allowance (DA) arrears. While large expenditures were being made in several sectors, he alleged, legitimate dues of employees remained unpaid. He said that if the BJP came to power, steps would be taken to protect employees’ interests and to move towards implementing the Seventh Pay Commission.
On the issue of unemployment, Chakraborty said that a system based solely on allowances cannot provide a permanent solution. Instead, he stressed the need to create employment opportunities and help the youth become self-reliant.
He added that the BJP was now more united and organisationally stronger than before, and that the ongoing Parivartan Yatra reflected a growing desire for change across the state. Chakraborty expressed confidence that with public support, an alternative government would be formed in West Bengal in the upcoming elections.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
