Kolkata, June 30 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday alleged that there were rampant issuances of fake caste certificates during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led and Trinamool Congress-ruled regime in the state and also threatened that the new state government led by him is determined to put behind bars both those who obtained as well as those who granted such fake caste certificates.

He was addressing a government function at Mukutmanipur in tribal-dominated Bankura district of West Bengal on the “Hul Diwas,” which is observed annually on this day to commemorate the historic Santhal Rebellion of 1855.

“The previous Trinamool Congress government did not work for the development of the tribal population in West Bengal. The tribal community was left behind. There was rampant corruption in issues of caste, especially in the case of Scheduled Tribe certificates during the previous regime. A lot of fake certificates were issued. Those who obtained and those who granted such fake caste certificates would be sent behind bars now,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the occasion.

He also referred to the incident of how the Indian President Droupadi Murmu felt insulted during her tour to West Bengal earlier this year as she came to the state to address an international Santhal conference.

“The previous Trinamool Congress- ruled state government did not even hesitate to insult the Indian President. They also did not provide enough funds for tribal development. But our government is determined to ensure the welfare of the tribal community. A total of Rs 350 crore has been allocated for tribal development. The state government has allocated Rs 1200 crore in the budget for the development of the Jangalmahal area. The state government is committed to the development of tribals and indigenous people,” CM Adhikari said.

To recall, in the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s performance was one of the best in those Assembly constituencies where the tribal voters are the determining factor. BJP candidates were elected from all 16 Assembly constituencies where the tribal voters are in the majority and are reserved for the scheduled tribes.

Currently, there are 17 elected legislators from the tribal background in West Bengal.

–IANS

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