Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday sent out a strong message of support to government employees involved in the revision of the voter list, assuring them that the state government stands firmly by their side.
“Don’t be afraid, the state government is with you. Work honestly, no one can do anything,” the Chief Minister reportedly said during an administrative meeting at Nabanna, the state secretariat, on Tuesday.
Her remarks come amid tensions between the state and the Election Commission of India (ECI), which has summoned the state Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to Delhi over the government’s alleged inaction against five employees engaged in voter list work. In this context, administrative officials see Banerjee’s statement as a significant show of backing for the workforce.
The ECI recommended suspension of four government officers for their alleged irregularities in voter list revision work. Pant has been summoned for the state government’s failure to comply with the ECI’s directives to suspend the officers.
Reiterating the need to maintain confidence among staff, Mamata reportedly said, “We must ensure that those involved in the work of the voter list do not panic.” She also accused the Assam government of attempting to create fear among residents in the name of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), adding, “There is nothing to fear. We are with you.”
Also read: Don’t fill up forms without knowing, warns Mamata
The Chief Minister attended a meeting of District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police convened by the Chief Secretary, where the progress of the state’s ‘Our Neighborhood, Our Solution’ project was reviewed. Launched on August 2, the initiative aims to provide local-level citizen services by setting up booths in each of three neighbourhoods.
“People’s demands must be given priority,” Mamata said, instructing officials to monitor the work of data entry operators closely. She also directed immediate administrative action to address the flood situation in Murshidabad.
Ending her address, the Chief Minister reinforced her call for integrity and public service: "We must stand by the people. Don’t be afraid, the government will be with you if you work honestly."
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