West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday claimed that the state government had evacuated at least 20,000 people from their homes before the recent North Bengal floods, and rescued 1,300 people during the “disaster”.

“… Otherwise, what would have happened, I don’t know. In this disaster, a total of 32 persons died — 21 from Darjeeling district, nine from Jalpaiguri and two from Cooch Behar. We have already given their families Rs 5 lakh compensation and one job of Special Home Guard to each family,” said Banerjee.

She also announced that families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata before Durga Puja due to electrocution from torrential rains will be given Rs 2 lakh financial assistance and one Special Home Guard job each. She said the compensation for those 12 person

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