Opposition MLA Seeks Chief Minister's Support to Unlock Development Funds

Opposition MLA Naushad Siddique of the Indian Secular Front met with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking assistance to address issues preventing him from spending MLA funds due to bureaucratic hurdles. Siddique, representing Bhangar, expressed his concerns about administrative inaction hindering development efforts.

Opposition MLA Naushad Siddique of the Indian Secular Front met with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday, highlighting his struggles to utilize MLA Local Area Development funds due to bureaucratic red tape. Siddique, who represents Bhangar in South 24 Parganas, approached Banerjee at the state secretariat, Nabanna, to resolve the issue.

Siddique, the sole non-BJP opposition legislator in the state assembly, explained his predicament to reporters after the meeting. He stated, "I am unable to spend money from the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) funds for work in my constituency because of administrative tangles for the last couple of years."

Despite persistent efforts to engage with various administrative levels, Siddique reported a lack of progress. However, during his 20-minute discussion with the Chief Minister, Banerjee assured him that she would investigate the issue. Prior to the meeting, Siddique had informed the state Assembly of his funding dilemma.

(With inputs from agencies.)