The chief minister, while describing the situation at Lalgarh, reportedly told his colleagues that he did not want bloodshed there. “Police will be there to instill confidence among the residents there. Relief material is being distributed among the people,” Goswamy said. At the meeting, the chief minister reportedly distributed a note he had prepared on how to gear up the administration in view of the Assembly elections due in 2011.

“We discussed how we could begin development in areas like health, education, infrastructure, rural electrification etc and the chief minister said special care would be taken of minorities and tribals. The chief minister spelt out a few things: First, revised BPL and APL lists would have to be released in a month. Second, ration cards will have to be distributed among the poor and if necessary, camps will have to be set up for the same. Third, in West Bengal, work for only 32-33 days could be given under the NREGA. The chief minister wanted the number to be increased,” Goswamy said.