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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday laid the foundation stone of the much-awaited Gangasagar Bridge, calling it the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream of the people of Gangasagar. Addressing a large gathering at Gangasagar, the Chief Minister said her government believes in delivering results through action, not empty promises.
“The people of Gangasagar dreamed of a bridge for years. Today, that dream is finally becoming a reality. We don’t just talk, we show through our work,” Mamata Banerjee said. She announced that a 5-kilometre-long, four-lane, state-of-the-art bridge will be constructed, significantly improving connectivity and daily life for residents of the island.
Highlighting the challenges faced by locals, the Chief Minister noted that people in Gangasagar live amidst dense forests and constant threats from wildlife. “This bridge will make their lives easier and safer. It will open new doors for development and communication,” she added. Mamata also said that roads and bridges across the district have either been inaugurated or their foundation stones laid.
Responding sharply to opposition criticism, Mamata Banerjee claimed that West Bengal’s infrastructure has seen major improvement since 2011. She pointed out that ministers, police officials, and administrative teams arrive well before the Gangasagar Mela every year to ensure smooth management. “This year too, everything was handled from Nabanna with full responsibility,” she said.
The Chief Minister also launched and laid foundation stones for projects worth nearly ₹2,300 crore, asserting that her government’s development initiatives speak louder than political attacks. “Some people mock our development story, but I won’t argue. My projects will answer them,” she said, reiterating that serving people remains her government’s core objective.
Alongside development, Mamata Banerjee strongly criticised the BJP and the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. She accused them of harassing ordinary citizens under the guise of verification. “Elderly people aged 85 or 90, those on oxygen support, even pregnant women are being summoned for hearings. Is this humane?” she asked.
The Chief Minister alleged that nearly 70 people have died in the past two months due to stress related to the SIR process. Questioning the morality of the exercise, she said, “So many people have died. Doesn’t anyone feel pain? Those removing names from voter lists—do they have certificates for their own parents?”
Mamata Banerjee further claimed that West Bengal was being deliberately targeted but asserted firmly, “No one has the power to destroy Bengal.” She accused the Election Commission of functioning through WhatsApp instructions and mocked Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar by calling him “Vanis Kumar,” warning that suppressing people’s rights would have consequences.
Criticising voter deletions due to name or address changes after marriage, she asked, “Isn’t this injustice?” According to her, such decisions are having a severe impact on common people’s lives.
Concluding her speech, Mamata Banerjee announced that the state government would intensify its legal battle over the SIR issue. “The court opens tomorrow, and we will go. If needed, we will approach the Supreme Court again. I am ready to plead for people’s rights myself,” she said, making it clear that the state will continue to take a firm stand against the Centre on this issue.
