Kolkata, Aug 21 (IANS): Citing various Central government welfare schemes, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday said that the West Bengal government shouldn't allow political differences to hinder state's progress.

"I expect that the Mamata Banerjee government will keep aside political differences when it comesirs to progress and development of the state. Narendra Modi is dedicated in developing all the states," Athawale, the Republican Party of India (RPI) chief, said here.

During election campaign, Modi had accused Banerjee of hindering a number of central welfare schemes in the state, like Ayushman Bharat, PM-KISAN, and Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

Athawale also noted that Bengal is witnessing violence post elections, whereas the people of the state should be able to lead a peaceful life. However, he appreciated the state for having low instance of atrocity cases based on caste. "It is good that there is not much clash between Dalits and upper caste people. It is good that people in Bengal are following Baba Saheb Ambedkar's path of equality," he said.

He also spoke about his ministry's aim to make India free of manual scavenging.

"There are nearly 53,000 people involved in manual scavenging throughout the country. We are providing with Rs 40,000 so that they can start something on their own and the country will not have any people doing this work in next five years," Athawale added.