Kolkata, Sep 28 (PTI) BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Monday promised an investment-friendly climate in West Bengal to revive industrial activity and create employment, while alleging that more than 6,700 companies shut down in the state during the 15-year Trinamool Congress rule.
Addressing a ‘Yuva Samvad Conclave’ at Space Circle near Chinar Park here, Nabin said the BJP government in the state, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, would focus on creating opportunities for the youth and attracting fresh investments.
“More than 6,700 companies have shut down here in the last 10-15 years. Our effort is to create an environment where if you invest in West Bengal, we will give you a good platform,” he said.
Nabin also recalled a time when West Bengal was regarded as a major employment destination, and people from neighbouring states came here in search of jobs.
“There was a time when people from Bihar flocked to Bengal for jobs,” he said.
His remarks come months after the BJP ended the TMC’s 15-year rule in May, forming the first saffron party government, with Adhikari as chief minister.
Nabin said the change of government on May 4 marked a “new dawn” for West Bengal, and expressed confidence that the aspirations of the state’s young population would be fulfilled.
He said the BJP’s focus would be not merely on employment, but also on encouraging young people to become entrepreneurs and job creators.
“Today’s youth are not job seekers but job providers. They are progressing very rapidly,” Nabin said.
The BJP chief also urged the youth to stay away from shortcuts, and emphasised perseverance and consistency.
“Life is not a 100-metre race, but a long run where stamina and consistency will be tested,” he said.
During his interaction with youngsters, Nabin also spoke about the need to reconnect the younger generation with India’s cultural and sporting traditions, cautioning them against being confined to their mobile phones.
He said West Bengal had a distinctive combination of sports, literature and arts, and suggested that schools should give greater emphasis on these fields.
“The DNA of the people here has sports, literature and arts together,” Nabin said.
He also urged the state government to consider introducing arts, culture and sports as additional papers in schools, saying this could encourage students to develop an interest in these fields from an early age.
Nabin voiced support for the new education policy and called for greater focus on the holistic development of students.
Later, during his visit, the BJP president was seen enjoying ‘jhalmuri’, a popular street snack in the state, as he interacted with party workers and others.
The two-day Bengal visit is part of Nabin’s organisational and outreach programme, during which he has held meetings with state leaders and interacted with different sections, including the youth. PTI PNT ACD PNT RBT
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.