From Tuesday onwards, sweet shops in West Bengal will remain open between 12 pm to 4 pm to cater to the cravings for something sweet. (File photo: Reuters)

A dessert or a sweet dish is a must after a Bengali meal. Keeping in mind the sweet-tooth of the people of state, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has decided to relax the lockdown rules for the sweets industry.

From Tuesday onwards, sweet shops will remain open between 12 pm to 4 pm to cater to the cravings for something sweet --- maybe a cottage cheese sandesh or syrupy roshogolla -- after a hearty meal.

But why was the chief minister keen on opening the sweet shops?

Apart from her understanding of the Bengali taste buds and the fetish for sweets, Mamata Banerjee is trying to help milkmen and people involved in dairy businesses.

Mamata Banerjee received information that cottage cheese (chhena/paneer) was going to waste after the lockdown and that milkmen were throwing away milk in drains.

With sweet shops being affected by the lockdown, the cottage cheese and milk industry are suffering losses. Hence, Mamata Banerjee's move could be an initiative to help these people carry on their trade.

However, according to political pundits, this initiative will go a long way politically too as it showcases her love for the people of her state and everything that matters to them.