Bengal exchequer in sorry state, will fulfil promises in phases: Suvendu in Nandigram

Nandigram/Kolkata: CM Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday pointed to Bengal's poor fiscal health and said state govt would fulfil its promise in phases as it worked to revive the economy after "49 years of Left and TMC misgovernance"."The condition of the state's exchequer is bad. But we will fulfil our promises in stages. Centre is helping us as much as it can. We are hopeful of changing the condition of the state soon," Adhikari said while addressing a rally in Nandigram.The state's debt stands at around Rs 7.9 lakh crore, while its debt-to-GSDP ratio is nearly 38%, making Bengal one of the most debt-stressed states. During a recent meeting with Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya had also highlighted the state's weak fiscal condition."It's just been two weeks that we have started working. We will have to pull the state out of this dismal state," Adhikari said.Addressing the gathering, the CM added: "Women need safety and security, and people want democracy. There will not be any difference between our promise and delivery."Referring to his decision to retain Nandigram after winning Bhowanipore and Nandigram seats, Adhikari said, "I have been with Nandigram since 2006 and I was not even an MLA then. I have not changed. There is no reason why you should fear losing your friend Suvendu. He was with you and will remain so," he said.He urged voters to support the BJP candidate in the upcoming bypoll as they had done in Falta. He also paid tribute to political workers who died in alleged political violence."The last CM didn't even issue death certificates to seven martyr families. They had to suffer. I will make all accountable," the CM added.