Atmosphere of hatred in country: Mamata
Kolkata: As the plague of hatred, acrimony along with an overpowering majoritarian rage to crush history, minorities and free opinion spread throughout the country, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP's all-India president Amit Shah accusing them of practicing divisive politics and widespread hostility.
Banerjee has emerged as one of the most formidable voices of the Opposition and her visit to Delhi assumes significance after her immensely successful Brigade Parade rally in Kolkata last month.
The Chief Minister said under the BJP rule, India's long cherished philosophy "Unity in Diversity" has been completely shattered. "There is hate politics and division. BJP is inciting one group against the other. They have pitched Hindus against the Muslims and vice versa. What is going on in this country?"
She stated that the BJP is letting loose the Central agencies to divide the Opposition. "Narendra Modi knows that he is not coming back to power and the expiry date is over," she added.
The Chief Minister, while taking a flight to Delhi to attend the dharna organised by the Aam Aadmi Party on February 13 and 14, said: "Both Modi and Shah come to the states run by the Opposition parties and complain about so many things. However, when it comes to them, they stop people from attending functions and lynch them in the name of giving protection to cows. They come to the states and give lectures but they never follow what they preach. This is most unfortunate."
The Chief Minister brought back memories of the good old Doordarshan days when she quipped "Rukawat Ke Liye Khed Hai" (Sorry for the interruption) as she extended support to former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who was "detained" at the Lucknow airport and barred from boarding a flight to Prayagraj.
The SP chief was headed for an event at the Allahabad University and had reached the Lucknow airport on time but when he was about to board a special flight, he was stopped from climbing the stairs of the aircraft by the UP police and a man in plainclothes.
After speaking to Akhilesh, she tweeted: "I've already spoken to @yadavakhilesh. We all condemn the arrogant attitude of the so-called #BJP 'leaders' who didn't allow Akhilesh to address the students. Even @jigneshmevani80 was not allowed. Where is the democracy in our country? And they are giving lessons to everybody!"
The Chief Minister said she will attend the dharna and will be present at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Gorkha Bhavan by the GTA.
Commenting on the turning down of Bharat Ratna award posthumously to noted singer and composer Bhupen Hazarika by his descendants who are protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, she said: "We have profound respect for Bhupen Hazarika. The BJP should understand the sentiment of the people of the North-east. In the name of the Citizenship Amendment Bill, the BJP should stop harassment of people."
Banerjee also wished the examinees of Madhyamik, Higher Secondary, CBSE and ICSE examinations every success.
