KOLKATA: At the Trinamool Congress’ Martyrs’ Day rally in Kolkata, West Bengal Chief minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the crowd with a powerful speech, passionately speaking out against the atrocities witnessed in Manipur and demanding justice for the victims of the recent assault on two Kuki women.
Taking a potshot at the government’s ‘Beti Bachao’ initiative, CM Banerjee stated, “The atrocities that we are witnessing in Manipur are condemnable in the strictest terms. The central government’s ‘Beti Bachao’ initiative has turned into ‘Beti Jalao’.”
The Manipur violence has been a matter of grave concern, and CM Banerjee took the opportunity to draw attention to the plight of women facing such brutal assaults.
“I condemn the acts of violence and abuse that my sisters in Manipur had to go through.” – Smt. @MamataOfficial
Our hearts go out to the victims of violence in Manipur.
As we remember our martyrs on #ShahidDibas, we also extend our solidarity and pledge to stand with Manipur! pic.twitter.com/6evBPbs0X2
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 21, 2023
Continuing her address, CM Banerjee highlighted that the issue goes beyond Manipur, asserting, “Today, our daughters in Manipur are dying, and this is not an isolated failure of the BJP government. Even in the Bilkis Bano case, rapists were let off by this government. Similarly, even after our wrestlers’ protests, bail was granted to the main accused, who is a BJP MP.”
She expressed her concern and dismay over the pattern of injustice faced by women, further reinforcing the need for greater accountability and sensitivity in dealing with such cases.
Emphasising the power of women, CM Banerjee stressed that daughters and mothers would deliver a befitting reply in the upcoming elections. The rally witnessed an outpouring of support for her sentiments on women’s empowerment and justice.
In addition to addressing the Manipur violence, Banerjee also raised the pressing issue of pending funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Bengal.
Accusing the central government of not releasing the state’s dues, she declared, “We will take our fight to Delhi. On October 2, which is Gandhi Jayanti, we will hold a dharna in Delhi, where we will raise our demands for the Centre to release Bengal’s pending dues. The central government takes the money from our State under the guise of GST, and then withholds our funds.”
Against all odds, Bengal stands strong!
With @BJP4India Govt blocking our MGNREGA funds, GoWB has decided to launch the “Khela Hobe” scheme – Bengal’s own version of 100 days of work.
✅ It will offer 40-50 days of work to the poor and safeguard rural livelihood
Let’s embrace… pic.twitter.com/8N4B5ulYJB
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 21, 2023
CM Banerjee further announced that on August 5, the Trinamool Congress will organise a block-wise protest in Bengal, seeking to draw attention to their demands. However, she urged her party workers to ensure that the common people were not inconvenienced during the protests, as she was mindful of the opposition’s potential attempts to use any disruptions to criticise TMC.
Highlighting her government’s initiatives, CM Banerjee also unveiled Bengal’s own 100 Days’ Work Scheme, named ‘Khela Hobe,’ aimed at empowering the state’s workforce.
The rally witnessed an emotionally charged moment when CM Banerjee spoke about the united opposition and I.N.D.I.A.
“From now on, our clarion call will be ‘Jeetega Bharat.’ All our future programs will be held under the I.N.D.I.A. banner. Let me state this in clear terms: we don’t care about any post; we only want peace for our nation. The BJP government has crossed all limits of decency, it is time for the people to remove them from power,” she stated.
Today, on #ShahidDibas, Hon’ble Chairperson @mamataofficial firmly stated –
“The entire opposition has come together as I.N.D.I.A!”
She upheld firmly their collective resolve of strengthening democracy and fighting against @BJP4India’s reign of terror.
In 2024, I.N.D.I.A… pic.twitter.com/j8qUhph9ER
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 21, 2023
CM Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government of deliberately halting funds for the 100 Days’ Work Scheme in Bengal due to the state’s remarkable performance, holding back over ₹60,000 crore in dues out of jealousy.