Abhishek Ends TMC Stir After West Bengal Governor\'s Assurance on Funds

Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's MP nephew Abhishek Banerjee lifted his four-day-long dharna with Trinamul Congress MPs and MLAs outside Raj Bhavan on Monday evening.

The TMC national general secretary announced his step after he met governor CV Ananda Bose who assured him of looking into the release of the outstanding funds under various central welfare schemes to the state government.

Raj Bhavan said, "The delegation headed by Shri Abhishek Banerjee MP called on Hon'be Governor today at 4.00 pm and submitted a memorandum on MGNREGS. The HG gave a patient hearing and said the matter will be brought to the notice of the Government of India and whatever is required for the welfare of the people of Bengal will be done."

Mr Banerjee however set a deadline before Mr Bose for the release of the funds within October 31 as he flew to New Delhi later apparently to take up the issue with the Centre.

Referring to the governor, he said, "I know you have compulsions. You can take 10-15 days or even three weeks to resolve the issue. In the end, you have to inform us why the BJP government has stopped the release of the funds under the 100-day job scheme."

The Diamond Harbour parliamentarian added, "I wanted to extend my agitation for 24 hours. But our party supremo told us we should show our courtesy to the governor's assurance. So we are calling off our stir."