Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged educators to “have faith” in her as she underscored her willingness to fulfil all their demands while pointing to a paucity of resources.

The Bengal chief minister, speaking at a Teachers’ Day event here, said she was aware of the teachers’ “frequent anger” at her and said their demands — often leading to protests — were legitimate.

“The education department’s expenditure has increased but we are not getting much by way of help from the Centre…. For instance, the state was forced to bear the entire burden of Rs 17,000 crore to run the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan after the Centre stopped funding it,” Mamata said.

Trinamul sources said Mamata was aware of the clout the Left still wields among educators and the attempts by the BJP to woo them.

“Please don’t be swayed by false propaganda. Despite everything, whenever I am able to fulfil your demands, despite all our limitations, we do it. Teachers do have legitimate demands but it is not always possible…. Keep the faith and confidence in me,” Mamata said.