ASSEMBLY ELECTION

NOC for two colleges to lure voters

State forest minister Mr Ananta Roy is contesting again from Mathabhanga Assembly segment as a CPI-M candidate. According to his supporters he will get votes from the people, as he was able to bring no objection certificates (NOC) for establishment of two colleges in a single block.

It is hard to get two colleges in a block in any district. But, Mr Roy did the impossible. And now he is expecting votes in return of his effort. The CPI-M is using the college issue in its electioneering in favour of Mr Roy's candidature.

In the recent past the ruling party was in an awkward position due to the popular demand for setting up a college in Mathabhanga-II block. When the demand rose to its height Mr Roy came out as saviour and brought NOC for establishment of a college at Ghoksadanga. Following the development, locals of Nishiganj turned agitated and demanded another college in their area. That demand was also met with another NOC. Thus, the Mathabhanga-II block received two NOCs for two colleges. In return, Mr Roy is hopeful of getting the voters' support. Not only NOC, financial approval was also issued for setting up the two colleges, Mr Roy claimed. He also assured that after the election the Left Front government would play its role to build up the proposed colleges.

The opposition camp is however, not pleased. They termed the NOCs as lollypops to lure voters. It is nothing but poll politics, they said.

The Trinamul Congress candidate of Mathabhanga, Mr Binay Krishna Barman alleged that the forest minister failed to satisfy the people of Mathabhanga from where he won in 2006. He is now trying to lure the common people. Taking it granted that the Trinamul Congress is going to form the next state government, Mr Barman said they would build the proposed two colleges, as it is impossible for the Left Front. The NOCs have been issued under condition that these colleges are to be run by own financial support and then it is nothing but a stunt to claim votes by showing those NOCs, he retorted.