Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hit out at Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Monday, saying she would take responsibility of a 6-month-old child and a family living on the footpath.
Mamata was referring to an incident on the busy Free School Street where Paul reprimanded a woman heating milk in the street for a 6-month-old child, asking them to move. The mother had reportedly been living on that pavement for five decades, and had replied that she would not be living on the footpath if she had a home.
After facing backlash from many quarters, Paul responded with a video message saying:
“I heard a lot of criticism from the Opposition over the incident of heating milk on the pavement of Free School Street. But nobody took one bowl of milk to this family. Everyone wants to play politics.”
Paul went on to explain the conditions of a low pavement on a busy road with a 6-month-old child lying alone when the mother and grandmother were at a distance. The minister also questioned who would take the responsibility if there was an accident.
After becoming a minister, Paul has been actively walking the streets to point out issues with footpaths, including cleanliness, illegal shops, and hutments. This incident, however, has questioned the humane aspect of the minister.
Mamata lashed out at the BJP government without taking Paul’s name.
“A mother is boiling milk for her child, she does not have a place to stay. Make arrangements for people to stay,” said Mamata Banerjee.
“Doesn’t it hurt you (BJP) to throw the milk? Remember, a mother’s curse is big ... I am willing to take responsibility for this family,” stated Mamata adding that her party colleagues would create living arrangements for the family if they agreed to it.
“I can do this much. My colleagues can do this, the common man can also do this,” said Mamata.
Mamata has spoken out earlier for hawkers and pavement dwellers after the BJP government embarked on a demolition and eviction drive to clear pavements with illegal habitants. The TMC supremo also said that the BJP should try being humane and generous before anything else.
