Kolkata, April 20 : The inaugural session of the Bengal Global Business Summit saw State Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee trading verbal punches, exposing the deep divide between the two. While Dhankhar profusely praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s “economic rise” and advised Banerjee to accommodate the “other point of view” and “distance development from a partisan stance”, the Chief Minister hit back by apparently targeting the centre, as she alleged that “industrialists should not be disturbed through agencies. Dhankhar, who inaugurated the summit, urged Banerjee to “pro-actively catalyse” a “development bonhomie”, ensure synergic working between the central and state governments and underlined the need for systemic rather than “individualistic functioning”. In loaded comments, Dhankhar – who has had bitter feuds with the Mamata Banerjee-led administration on a plethora of issues almost daily – made veiled references to several matters which he has been flagging since his arrival to the state in 2019. “If I flag issues, the wholesome object is to fast-track development of the state. My reflections exemplify my conscience and are in the nature of constructive suggestions. We must have accommodation for the other point of view,” he said, adding more often than not, “such point of view turns out to be the correct one.” In the same breath, Dhankhar lauded Modi for enhancing connectivity and improving the infrastructure in the eastern part of the country, and said India has recently seen “unprecedented inclusive growth and massive empowerment and uplift of the vulnerable sections of the society”. “West Bengal must work to be a significant part of India’s ongoing economic rise by credibly exemplifying its commitment to transparent accountable decision making, that is pivoted on systemic, and not individualistic functioning,” he said. He exuded confidence that the state administration would do all it can to ensure “these vital elements are amply reflected as ground reality to bolster the confidence of the prospective investors”. Dhankhar added: “There is a need for convergence, rising above partisan interest, to serve the cause if democracy”. The Governor said it would be “appropriate” for the Chief Minister “to pro-actively catalyse … development bonhomie with all concerned and it is imperative to distance development from partisan stance”. At the time of independence, West Bengal had a major place in the Indian economy said the Governor. “There is need to replicate the scenario and … combat the flight of capital .and human resource from the state” “This can fructify by a synergic working between the central and state governments and all entities concerned, resulting in a geometric economic leap for the state”. “Undoubtedly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in her third tenure, is eminently qualified to secure the synergic working with the central government, the central government entities,” he remarked. Hoping that the state government was alive to the need for an “investment-friendly wholesome ecosystem” in governance, Dhankhar said it was necessary as investors look for political stability, democratic governance, transparent and accountable mechanism and systemic working coupled with a “peaceful environment and rule of law”. Banerjee, who spoke later, delivered her punch at the end of her address. I want to te all the industry,” the Chief Minister said, and turned to Dhankhar who was seated on the dais. Your excellency, Governor sir, for you one word on behalf of all the industrialists. … They can not open their mouth”. She then told Dhankhar that the state was keen to get help from the centre. “(At the) Governors’ conference, please raise it”. “And also, please see, industrialists should not be disturbed through some agencies,” she added. SSP ARN