Bengal Governor slams Mamata govt on PDS ‘scam’

<br>In an interview to IANS, Dhankhar said, “The ruling party in Bengal has hijacked the public distribution system. The PDS scam is getting bigger by the day. ”

Dhankhar alleged that the state government is misusing the funds provided by the Central government to fight Covid-19.

He questioned why only ruling party workers are seen distributing relief instead of state administration officials.

“The poor in the state are in a dire situation, and officials are sleeping. I appeal to the Chief Minister to look into it,” he said.

Dhankhar alleged that the representatives of other political parties are not being allowed to carry out relief works in the state. “The police forced four MPs of a political party, who were going to inspect PDS units, to remain indoors, but allowed the ruling party representatives to roam freely,” he said.

“Lockdown in West Bengal is not being enforced strictly. The Union Home Ministry had written to the state government about it on April 10. All norms of social distancing are being flouted. Religious gatherings are being allowed. Even markets are open. No strict rules are followed in the red zones. The law and order situation in the state has totally collapsed. There is no lockdown in tea gardens. How will the state fight against the coronavirus when the only weapon against it not being used properly,” Dhankhar said.

The Governor alleged that the state government is not speaking the truth about the number of coronavirus patients. “What will the government gain by this,” he asked.

There are five thousand testing kits in the state, but not enough tests are being done, he alleged.

“Covid-19 has to be unitedly fought on ground and not in media/public relations. This is no time for politics. I appeal to the state government to act against officials who are not working efficiently.”

The Governor demanded deployment of Central forces to implement lockdown in the state.

–IANS <br>hindi-skp/prs