Mamata celebrates first year with ad blitz

Kolkata: West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government marked its first year in office yesterday with an advertisement blitzkrieg in local and national dailies.

Virtually emulating Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha, the West Bengal government splashed full two-page colour advertisements in most newspapers, highlighting the achievements of every department.

The advertisements with the theme "One year towards a ray of hope" included pictures of Mamata and carried her message urging people to stand by her government.

"A significant part of Bengal's lost glory has been regained. We are committed to complete what we started. We urge you to stand by us. And count on us," Mamata's message said.

The offices of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) were lit up with twinklers, party flags and chain flags fluttered and small meetings were held almost at all localities in remembrance of the day a year ago when Mamata took the oath as the state's first woman chief minister.

Meanwhile, Mamata has asked the police to make inquiries about the students who asked her uncomfortable questions on law and order of the state in an interactive television session.

Though the police have not officially registered a case against anyone, according to officials, "we are looking into the matter and have got instructions from the high office of the state to find out whether they have any connections with the terror outfit or are cadres of the communist parties in Bengal," said an officer on promise of anonymity.

— With inputs from IANS