'I always try to remain present in assembly', says Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Brushing aside allegation by the Opposition that she was not regular in the Assembly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said she always tries to remain in the  House when required.

"Some people say I am not a regular in the House. But I always try to remain present when required. I will show how regular I can be in this session," Banerjee told reporters after addressing party MLAs at the TMC legislature party meeting on the opening day of the winter session of the Assembly. Banerjee also said she would try to remain present everyday during this session. "If I cannot come to the House any day, my colleages in the government are assigned to reply on my behalf," she said.

She asked TMC MLAs to be more sincere, committed and dedicated to the party as well as development programes initiated by her government for the benefit of the people. Banerjee reminded the party MLAs to perform in the House and maintain close contact with people "as people see the government through the representatives they have elected." "As representatives of the people, the MLAs must take each and every achievement of the state government to the people who are the real beneficiaries. The members should also showcase development programmes before the people to make them aware of the benefits they can avail," she said.

The Chief Minister also asked her party MLAs to attend the House regularly with adequate preparation so that people's demands reach the government. Education Minister and senior party leader Partha Chatterjee advised the members to be regular with adequate homework. The members should be aware of bills and other business that would be brought in the House for discussion, Chatterjee said.

"Mentions and questions by the members and ministers' reply are important for the people. These help the government to work out future programmes for the people," government Chief Whip Sobhandeb Chattopadhayay said.

In an obvious reference to party legislators going public with their grievances, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Subrata Mukherjee said resentment should not be expressed in public thereby putting the party in an embarrassing situation.

Mukherjee said "the party leaders or members may have their opinions, complaints or suggestions but they should do so air them through proper channel".