Nayagram/Jhargram (West Bengal), July 12 (IANS) Handing out land deeds, old age pension and scholarship cheques amid thunderous applause, Mamata Banerjee Tuesday went on a wish fulfilment spree as she toured the Maoist heartland for the first time after becoming chief minister.


She chatted freely with people in Junglemahal region -- the forested stretches in Purulia, West Midnapore and Bankura districts where the rebels hold sway -- and asked them to express their wishes.

As Banerjee asked "What else do you want?", the people shouted 'bridge'. After consulting with officials present on the dais, she announced the construction of a bridge in the area.

After 'bridge' came 'night trains', 'health centres', 'schools', and so on. Banerjee moved from one part of the dais to the other, interacting with every part of the crowd and granting their wishes.

Elders receiving land deeds and pension cheques blessed her while students receiving their scholarship cheques touched her feet at the two venues - Nayagram, 166 km from Kolkata, and Jhargram, 170 km from Kolkata - both in West Midnapore.

She went on a project announcement spree.

From schools, colleges to cultural academies, from health centres, bridges and night trains to vocational training and government jobs, the chief minister had something for everybody.