Mamata strikes back at Buddhadeb

Says government will continue endorsing festivities

Aday after CPM veteran Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee ridiculed her for wasting public money on festivals, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee got back at him, despite a “selfimposed restriction on talking”.

“Yesterday, somebody was saying we are only celebrating festivals. So, what should we do? Shall we do “shradh” [ rituals performed after death],” Banerjee asked, while addressing a rally.

Banerjee was referring to Bhattacharjee’s comments at a rally on Sunday, when he had castigated her for spending public money on festivals.

Banerjee inaugurated the North Bengal Festival and said her government would continue organising fetes as they provide livelihood for artists and people associated with small and cottage industries.

“Festivals boost the economy of the state as many people come to sell their products. Unlike them [ CPI- M], we do not dole out money to party cadre.”