Assembly polls due in Bengal next year, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today outstripped Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise to provide free grain to people till Chhath Puja -- usually held in November. In Bengal, people will receive free ration till June next year, the Chief Minister said.
"Bengal will give free ration till June 2021," Ms Banerjee said minutes after PM Modi's address to the nation this evening.
"The quality of ration is better than that of the Centre," she also claimed, adding, "Only 60 per cent people in Bengal get central rations".
Earlier today, PM Modi said a key government scheme to distribute free foodgrain to 80 crore of India's poorest -- started with the countrywide lockdown against coronavirus in March -- will be extended till November-end to provide relief during the festival season.
"Keeping in mind all the festivals that are coming up in the next few months, this scheme to provide 80 crore people with 5 kg free ration and 1 kg dal (pulses) per month will now be extended till Diwali and Chhath Puja, or till the end of November," PM Modi said, addressing the nation for the sixth time after the coronavirus outbreak.
