What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: In a significant humanitarian gesture, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state government, led by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), would extend shelter to individuals fleeing violence in Bangladesh. This decision aligns with Banerjee’s longstanding commitment to providing refuge and support to those in need.
On Sunday, Banerjee wrote on Twitter expressing her concerns and outlining the state’s response. “Hundreds of students and others are returning to West Bengal/India from the trouble-torn Bangladesh. I have asked our state administration to render all help and assistance to the returnees. For instance, around 300 students arrived at the Hilli border today and most of them left for their respective destinations safely: 35 of them, however, needed help and we provided them with basic amenities and facilitation assistance. United we stand!”
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Banerjee’s announcement came on the eve of the annual ‘Martyr’s Day’ rally, a significant event for the TMC, commemorating the 1993 police firing that resulted in the deaths of 13 Youth Congress workers during a protest against the then CPI(M)-led Left Front government. The event saw lakhs of people from across West Bengal gathering in Kolkata’s Esplanade, marking the first major rally following TMC’s remarkable performance in the Lok Sabha polls.
In a heartfelt tweet on Saturday, Banerjee reflected on the importance of 21st July, writing, “Tomorrow comes another 21st July! 21st July is a blood-soaked day in the history of Bengal. 13 lives were brutally taken away by the repressive regime of CPI(M) on this day in 1993. I lost 13 of my co-fighters on this day in my battle against repression. 21st July is therefore an emotive milestone for us. 21st July is an integral part of Bengal’s public culture today.”
She continued, “We remember those heroic martyrs every year on this historic day with love and respect. With them, we also remember all who have sacrificed their lives in movements for our country and fellow human beings. Simultaneously we observe this day as ‘Ma-Mati-Manush Divas’ and dedicate our democratic electoral victories to the people of West Bengal.”
The rally was attended by notable political figures, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who joined Banerjee in addressing the gathering. Highlighting the solidarity between the TMC and SP, Banerjee declared, “We will fight together and save the country.” She also issued a stern warning to her party members involved in corruption, emphasizing, “I want ethical workers and leaders, not wealthy people. Eat what you have in your home. Stop being greedy.”
Banerjee didn’t hold back in criticising the BJP, accusing them of engaging in communal politics and misusing central agencies. “I salute the way people fought the BJP that threatened everyone with agencies, made illegal arrests, and had the media with them. I salute them for supporting Trinamool,” she said.
Addressing allegations of job-related corruption, Banerjee assured the public, “I have 1 million government jobs ready. But whenever I try to do something, they take the matter to the court. We are fighting a legal battle and will continue to do so.”
