Kolkata: Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said on Sunday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was keeping regular tabs on policy execution in Bengal.“The PM keeps tabs on developments in the state regularly. He takes updates on policy execution in the state from CM Suvendu Adhikari,” Bhattacharya said, adding that the PM has specifically stated that industries willing to invest over Rs 100 crore in the state should not face any problems.“If the investment is more than Rs 100 crore, it will never face interference, even from a gram panchayat member. Modi ji has categorically given instructions on that, after which the CM made an announcement,” said Bhattacharya.Speaking on the “extortion culture” ailing the state, the Bengal BJP chief acknowledged that a foolproof system could not be developed in two months, adding that the CM and his colleagues were trying hard to stem the practice.“This culture has spread its roots over decades and we cannot change that overnight. However, if you notice any aberration, call us on the helpline. We will ensure it gets solved soon. If you think the govt has taken a wrong decision, tell us immediately,” Bhattacharya said, speaking at an interactive session organised by International Chamber of Business and Industry.The state BJP chief said the govt has not deviated from its commitment to social welfare schemes even though it has inherited a debt burden of Rs 8.15 lakh crore. “A section of businessmen has argued against such schemes and freebies, but as a welfare state, we cannot ignore the downtrodden,” he said.Earlier in the day, while speaking at a realtors’ conference, Bhattacharya related that “someone had approached me with an envelope of cash. I got him arrested immediately.”He said the BJP govt’s first priority was to improve law and order and the second priority was to ensure there is no pressure on the judiciary. Its third priority is to set up capital intensive industries, he added.“Our industrial policy will be announced in three weeks. It will definitely be competitive with neighbouring states like Odisha and Assam. There will be special packages, tax holidays and rebates on power tariff,” said Bhattacharya.He added that the state govt was mulling options to use land locked in govt factories like jute mills in Titagarh and Barrackpore.
