Bengal given 200 cr to develop minority inhabited areas: Naqvi

Kolkata, Nov 24 (IANS) Asserting that the BJP-led central government does not have any differential attitude towards any state, Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday said his department has allocated more than Rs 200 crore for the development of minority inhabited areas in West Bengal over the last two years.

Naqvi was answering a question in the India Today Conclave East on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegations earlier in the day that Central ministers are more interested in the growth of BJP in Bengal than the development of the state.

"I respect Mamata Banjerjee but the claim she is making is incorrect. If I talk about my ministry, it has given more than Rs 200 crore for the development of minority inhabited areas in West Bengal. The money was allotted for the development of schools, colleges, hostels, and also for developing the drinking water and road infrastructure," he said.

"The central government has never shown any differential attitude against anyone and will never do so in the future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a strong commitment towards the federal structure. He is tirelessly working with that commitment," he said.

Asked about Banerjee's claims that the fund for two new ports in Bengal is being halted by the Central government, Naqvi said there might be some technical reasons behind it

"I do not deal with that department. But I think there might be be some technical reasons behind it. I am sure she is also aware that there are some technical issues in that regard. This government never brings electoral politics in the way of development," he added.

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