Irresponsible leaders will lose credibility, says Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: In a veiled attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on demonetisation move, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinomool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee today said “irresponsible political leaders” would ultimately lose their credibility.

“Irresponsible political leaders act in such a way that common people are made to suffer,” Ms Banerjee said without mentioning the Prime Minister’s name.

“I am also saying it for myself. I should rectify myself first, else will lose my credibility,” she said at an event at the St Xavier’s College here.

Speaking out against demonetisation, she said, “It has led to degradation of the entire banking system in the country. Every sector is in trouble. Everybody is perturbed. This is Christmas time. People can’t travel....Cake sellers are facing problems.”

She compared the PM to iconic Bollywood character Gabbar Singh, saying people live under the fear these days that if they deposit money into banks, the I-T, CBI, ED or Gabbar Singh will come to raid their residences.

“People are scared of I-T raids. We have never seen this before. How could we? Nobody has come before like this one,” she said referring to Mr Modi.

The Chief Minister today announced the state would provide financial assistance of Rs 7 crore to the proposed St Xavier’s University per annum.

“St Xavier’s is known for imparting quality education to students, thus contributing to the future of the country and the world. We cleared The St Xavier’s University, Kolkata Bill-2016 in the state Assembly recently and we will provide Rs 7 crore every year for the purpose of education in the university and which will be part of the pay package of those associated with the institution,” Ms Banerjee said.

The government would also provide four acres of land in Asansol for a new Jesuit college, she said.