Kolkata, Aug. 24 -- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday unveiled a twin industrial push for Bengal, announcing the inauguration of an L&T group project in Silicon Valley on Thursday, followed by the launch of a new Rs 6,000-crore plant of Haldia Petrochemicals on October 14.
Speaking at a Press conference at Nabanna, Adhikari also announced the enforcement of the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, recently passed by the Assembly, with the government issuing a notification to this effect.
Adhikari warned that the government would take a tough line against those damaging public property during protests. Those found responsible for vandalism would face financial penalties, while attacks on industrial establishments would invite strict action.
The chief minister's announcements come as the BJP-led government seeks to project Bengal as an investment-friendly destination while sending a clear warning against disruptions to industry and public infrastructure.
Adhikari touched upon a range of other issues and said that hearings of applications for citizenship under the CAA will soon be completed and his government has already issued certificates to 23,000 people out of 2.30 lakh applicants.
He further said that Governor RN Ravi has given his nod for the new Act enabling arrest of those attacking police, and cost recovery for public property damage. Adhikari also asserted that the state will recover three times the cost of damage caused to public property under the new law. The chief minister added that necessary directives have been sent to the authorities.
"On Thursday, there is the inauguration of the L&T group project in Silicon Valley. On Oct 14, the Rs 6000 crore new plant of Haldia Petrochemicals is to be inaugurated," he said. The Adani healthcare initiative, under which a 2,000-bed multi-speciality hospital in New Town is coming up, will be implemented fast.
"In New Town, Adani Group wants to build a 2000-bed hospital, 1000 free for poor people, 1000 commercial. Gautam Adani, chairman of the group, has sent a commitment letter saying that they want to start work fast," the CM added.
Rubbishing former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegation that the BJP government has 'ditched' it by imposing conditions for giving Annapurna Bhandar benefits while in the election manifesto there was no such condition, Adhikari claimed that his government has credited bank accounts of 1.46 crore under the scheme, out of which around 19 lakh are muslim families.
"Around 4 lakh women have lodged complaints that many were taking the benefits who are not eligible. Everywhere, there are eligible and non-eligible people. Why did she (Mamata Banerjee) keep it between the age group 25 and 60? You remain on Facebook. It will be ensured that she does not get out on the streets," Adhikari said.
Meanwhile, Adhikari on Monday assured that steps were being taken to check the sharp rise in sugar prices in the state and said the government had identified the points in the supply chain where the "leakage" was taking place. Stating that the government would act against those responsible for the price rise, Adhikari said: "We have found where the leakage is taking place. We will fix it. There will be no scope for this here; there is a strong government in place."
"From September 1 to 7, Consumer Protection Week will be observed. We have activated task forces afresh in the state," Adhikari added. According to him, task forces have been constituted in 72 subdivisions and at the level of deputy commissioners in 35 police commissionerates.
"We held a meeting with the food inspectors today. Steps are being taken to prevent adulteration. Instructions have been given to take action against those who illegally stockpile rice and sugar," he said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.