West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered a scathing critique of the Border Security Force (BSF), her ministers, and state officials during a televised administrative meeting on Thursday. Accusing the BSF of allowing infiltrators from Bangladesh, she also reprimanded government functionaries for inefficiency and negligence.
At the meeting held at the state secretariat, Mamata outlined what she believed efficient governance should entail. Using an alphabet analogy, she remarked, “A stands for avoid, B for block, C for create confusion, and D for destruction—this is what some officers seem to be doing. Instead, the administration should be Active, Bold, Creative, work for Development, Energetic, and mindful of Finances.”
The chief minister expressed frustration with officials for failing to monitor events in their jurisdictions. Citing the murder of Trinamool Congress councilor Dulal Sarkar in Malda on Thursday, she accused the BSF of enabling cross-border violence. “Goons are coming from across the border and killing people here. The Trinamool Congress or the police do not guard the borders—the BSF does. They are colluding with the Centre to allow this,” she alleged, adding, “Do not blame the Trinamool Congress for border incidents.”
Mamata questioned when officials last inspected mid-day meals and other government programs, suggesting laxity in their duties. She criticized block-level officials for failing to conduct voter list revisions as instructed. “They don’t work, and it is the people and the administration who face the consequences,” she said.
Throughout the hour-long meeting, Mamata targeted several officials and departments. Addressing acting Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, she stated, “Rajeev, you must take action against the district intelligence branch (DIB). They neither gather nor provide any useful information. Favoritism within the police department has created cliques where promotions are given to favorites. This cannot continue.”
She also rebuked Kumar over a recent incident in Cooch Behar, where Delhi Police teams reportedly conducted inquiries about migrant workers without informing local authorities. “How were they allowed? Rajeev, were you aware? The SP [Superintendent of Police] doesn’t seem to know anything. If this happens again, inform me immediately,” she warned.
Turning her attention to the state finance department, Mamata chastised Finance Secretary Prabhat Mishra, saying, “Prabhat is a gentleman but must ensure efficiency. Most officers in the finance department waste time discussing Leftist politics as though they are at Alimuddin Street [the CPM headquarters]. This is unacceptable.”
The transport department also faced her wrath. Mamata criticized the lack of public transportation during peak hours, admonishing Minister Snehasis Chakraborty when he attempted to defend his department. “What does ‘kichhu’ (some) mean? The transport department’s job is to ensure people can travel safely and on time. Visit the city during rush hours and see for yourself.”
She also took issue with the city police’s handling of VIP movements, stating, “Blocking roads like the Maa flyover after 6 p.m. is unacceptable. Not everyone owns cars. How will people travel in emergencies?”
Education Minister Bratya Basu came under fire for a reported plan to introduce a semester system in schools. Mamata claimed she was unaware of the proposal and criticized its leak to the media. “Policy decisions must involve consultation. Semester systems for Classes I and II are impractical. What works in colleges doesn’t necessarily work in schools,” she said.
Addressing illegal activities, Mamata alleged that funds from sand mining in Birbhum were being diverted to the BJP. “Illegal sand mining has increased, and the money is going to the BJP. What are inspectors in Dubrajpur, Suri, and Mohammadbazar doing? Do they think I don’t know? I monitor everything,” she asserted.
Throughout the meeting, ministers and officials listened silently as the chief minister outlined her grievances, emphasizing accountability and efficiency across all levels of administration.
