Chief Minister attends Namaz at Red Road, requests to abstain from rumors

August 21, 2012

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee attended a special `Namaz` congregation at the Red Road in the morning.    

`Please maintain peace and harmony, do not heed to rumors`, was the message from Chief Minister on this occasion.    

Chief Minister said the state budget allocation for minority welfare had been increased from Rs 250 crore to Rs 581 crore in 2012-13 fiscal years. Apart from that the Maa, Mati, Manush government had passed the West Bengal Backward Classes (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts)  Bill, 2012 in July, providing 17% job reservation to Other Backward Class (OBC) other than Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribe (SC/ ST).  There are many more projects in the pipeline. 

Chief Minister, `Aliah University, the government will set up complexes for minorities in every district`. Ms. Mamata Banerjee informed that there will be a Minority Complex in all districts of West Bengal

Requesting masses to keep away from any rumors and maintain peace and harmony, Chief Minister said, `I do not want to repeat the bitter episode again and that too on the occasion of Eid. We all want peace and harmony. Do not try to set the house on fire. Our minority brothers wanted shelter from us. We have given them shelter in the state. It is our responsibility`. She also requested imams to play a major role in maintaining communal harmony throughout the state.   

Chief Minister earlier on Sunday greeted people on the eve on Eid-ul-Fitr on her facebook page: 

` I convey Eid Mubarak and best wishes to all my brothers and sisters of the world on the day of holy Eid-ul-Fitr. After completion of one holy month of Roza, it is a day to rejoice and celebrate amongst relatives, friends and well wishers. The spirit and fervor of Eid impinges upon bringing togetherness, harmony, gratitude and peace, cutting across religion and geographic boundaries. The celebration will be more meaningful if all of us practice and promote universal brotherhood and strengthens the bond between individual and community. Eid festival is very close to my heart. And from the bottom of my heart, I once again convey my sincere greetings and wishes to all of you on this auspicious occasion`.