I am not vindictive, critics have vested interests: Mamata

Kolkata, Nov 29 (IANS) Claiming that she was not vindictive against those who criticised her government, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday said she will continue to work for the people.

Speaking at an official function here, Banerjee also alleged that her critics have vested interests.

“I know some people are criticising and demeaning us. They are doing this because they have some vested interest. Let them do. We don’t care. Raja chale bazar to kutta bhonke hazaar (the king walks to market, and a thousand dogs bark),” she said.

“Those demeaning the government will fade out one day. I am not vindictive. I don’t want to take action against them,” she said, on a day Press Council of India chairman Markandey Katju criticised her for being “intolerant and whimsical”.

Banerjee’s government has been going through tough times with a minister, Rabindranath Bhattacharya, alleging that the ruling party leaders and cadres were indulging in extortion.

The chief minister said she had no relationship with those giving a bad name to the “Ma, Mati, Manush (Mother, Land and People − Banerjee’s pet slogan)” government.

“I don’t have any relation with those who are giving a bad name to the Ma, Mati, Manush government. I do not care about what others say about me. I am here only for the cause of the people,” Banerjee said while addressing the infrastructure development conclave ‘Bengal Builds’.

She asserted that her government would transform the “negative publicity” into positive through its performance.

“We will transform this negative publicity into positive through our work.”

“I have a will to work. I have always fought for the people and will continue to do so. I can leave other things for the common man, but cannot leave the people for anything. This is my mission and vision,” she added.

IANS 2012-11-29 17:24:59