In Kishor's presence, Mamata reminds party workers not to take 'cut money'

Addressing party workers in the presence of poll strategist Prashant Kishor, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday urged them to improve "public relations" and lashed out against leaders taking cut money or commission from beneficiaries of government schemes, party sources said on Friday.

Banerjee made the remarks during a closed door review meeting with leaders of West Midnapore district, where her party Trinamool Congress fared poorly in the recent Lok Sabha polls. The Trinamool lost two of the three seats from the district to the BJP.

"The party supremo said public relations, which were adversely impacted, need to be improved. No one would be spared if one takes cut money from development works," a party source said.

Banerjee also warned that MLAs and MPs would face consequence if they are found to be involved in corruption.

Banerjee had last week ordered Trinamool Congress workers, who have taken commission from beneficiaries of government schemes, to return the amount to the public.

Following Banerjee's instructions, many people across districts laid siege to houses of many Trinamool leaders and members in panchayats and local municipalities, demanding return of the "cut-money".

During the meeting on Friday, she instructed party workers "not to depend on police too much" and asked district leaders to bring back old party workers in their regular activities.

Banerjee also urged them not to interfere in government functioning.

Kishor who met Banerjee twice in the month, was present throughout the review meeting.

Banerjee also lamented that it was a "mistake" to have depended too much on her former number two in the party, Mukul Roy, and the erstwhile Police Superintendent of West Midnapore district Bharati Ghosh. Both of them have crossed over to the BJP.

( With inputs from IANS )