BJP leader and Asansol South MLA Agnimitra Paul emphasised the importance of road safety during a helmet distribution programme held in Asansol, West Bengal, and appealed to people to follow traffic rules. Helmets were distributed to women riding motorcycles and scooters during the event.
Paul said road accidents claim a large number of lives in the country and that wearing a helmet is not only a legal requirement but also essential for personal safety. She also said increasing encroachment on footpaths in urban areas forces pedestrians to walk on roads, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
Speaking to the media during the programme, Agnimitra Paul alleged that the previous West Bengal government did not adequately participate in various Central government schemes and projects. She claimed the state government did not fully utilise several Central schemes and instead held the Centre responsible. According to her, several facts could emerge after related reports are made public. There was no immediate official response from the state government to these allegations.
Paul also referred to the Amphan cyclone relief package and said transparency was necessary in the utilisation of relief funds and other financial matters. She said that if any irregularities come to light, they should be subjected to an impartial investigation so that the full facts are placed before the public.
On the issue of noise pollution, Paul said sound levels beyond the prescribed limits should not be permitted at any religious, social or public event. She said excessive noise causes inconvenience to elderly people, students and the general public, and added that noise control regulations should be enforced equally for everyone.
Responding to a question on displaying the names of owners at hotels and commercial establishments, Paul said no official decision had yet been taken by the government on the issue. She therefore declined to comment further.
Responding to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks on issues related to pensions, royalties and bank accounts, Paul said that if an investigation is underway, it should be allowed to proceed impartially. She said investigating agencies act on the basis of facts and that the concerned matters would be fully investigated if required.
Referring to allegations that minors were made to donate blood at a mission hospital in Asansol, Paul expressed concern and said that if the allegations are proven, the matter would be extremely serious. She called for an impartial investigation and said those found responsible should face strict legal action.
On allegations of illegal extortion and intimidation in the state, Paul said no individual or political party is above the law. She said that if complaints of extortion or coercion arise at any level, the concerned agencies should conduct an impartial investigation and take appropriate action. According to her, ensuring equal enforcement of the law is a primary responsibility of any government.
Responding to claims by Trinamool Congress leaders regarding BJP MLAs and MPs switching parties, Paul said her party's primary focus is on development and public welfare. She said working on issues affecting the public is more important than political rhetoric.
Commenting on the alleged surveillance of the residence of Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and the arrest of suspects in the case, Paul expressed concern over the state's law and order situation. She said any criminal activity or security-related incident should be investigated impartially and those responsible should face strict action in accordance with the law.
The programme also featured Paul's appeal for compliance with road safety measures alongside her comments on Central government schemes, alleged corruption, law and order, and other political issues, while calling for impartial investigations where allegations have been made.
