While addressing the open session of the 15th State Conference of Co-ordination Committee of State Government Employees at Siliguri today, the chief minister said: “People were unhappy with the steady hike in the prices of essential commodities and it was reflected in the results of the Assembly elections. This helped the BJP return to power.”

Pointing out that the Left’s support to the UPA government at the Centre was not unconditional, Bhattacharjee said, “The Leftists will not support any UPA move aimed at putting poor people in trouble.”

He added, “Industrialisation is a must for generation of employment in West Bengal. Even youths belonging to peasant families do not want to engage in agriculture these days. But the Opposition parties in the state are obstructing development programmes.”

“This cannot be allowed. I am ready to discuss all issues pertaining to development schemes with any Opposition leader,” the chief minister further said.

Earlier, after a meeting of the North Bengal Development Council, the chief minister announced a grant of Rs 30 crore for the development of north Bengal.

“The money will have to be spent in three-months time,” Bhattacharjee said.