Kolkata: Panchayat, rural development and animal resources minister Dilip Ghosh spent Saturday morning at the ‘bheris' (pisciculture ponds) of Khasmahal in Bidhannagar, casting fishing nets and interacting with local residents and supporters.
The minister joined a tea gathering before boarding a fishing boat. Supporters gathered along the banks, many recording the event on their phones, as Ghosh hauled in nets filled with fish. After his fishing expedition, Ghosh joined locals, sharing a breakfast of fried fish, muri, coconut water, tea and biscuits. Supporters greeted Ghosh with flower bouquets, garlands and sweets during the programme.
Ghosh alleged that local fisheries had earlier been taken away from residents and claimed they had now returned to the owners' control following the change in regime. "All these bheris belonged to our men. After the 2021 election, TMC snatched them. Now, the owners have got these fisheries back and have started farming again," the minister said.