Bengal's intellectuals call for Mamata as PM in unison
Kolkata: Prominent intellectuals from Bengal stood by Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee in her fight against BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular, for dividing people on religious lines and damaging the secular fabric of the country.
All the intellectuals who joined a programme at Kolkata Press Club on Tuesday with the slogan of 'check the communal forces from unleashing a reign of terror in Bengal, an embodiment of communal harmony', echoed the opinion that Banerjee is the only viable alternative in the country to fight Modi and his fellow BJP leaders, who carry with them a baggage of bigotry and intolerance.
The intellectuals also made it clear that they want to see the Trinamool supremo, who has the capability to ease the tension and fear prevailing among the people across the country, as the Prime Minister. They also strongly objected to BJP president Amit Shah's remark that Bengalis have been turned to Kangals (beggars).
Renowned artist Shuvaprasanna Bhattacharya said: "Saffron is the colour of sacrifice. A political party with a saffron flag is trying to spark communal tension in Bengal. We came across a rally (one attended by Amit Shah) while coming here. Where are these people coming from? They certainly do not look like our fellow citizens. They were shouting objectionable slogans and showing gestures which the people here in Bengal are not familiar with."
"We must prevent the extremism and intolerance triggered by some people in the state. They are coming from outside the state and maligning Bengal. Our Chief Minister had hinted many days ago at the attempts to spread communal tension, which is being witnessed now. These communal forces are targeting Banerjee as they are scared of her. We must build opinions and support her," he added.
Economist Abhirup Sarkar said that the saffron party has been trying to destroy institutions including the Reserve Bank of India, which gives an idea as to which direction our democracy is heading toward. "The institutions which are supposed to keep a vigil on the 'Chowkidar', have been destroyed," said Sarkar.
Well-known singer Kabir Suman said that they must lend support to the Chief Minister, who has given a clarion call to oust Modi.
"They have seen a revolution in the development works initiated by her. BJP has waged a war and she must win to restore communal harmony," the singer said. He also said that he would have slapped Shah, had he been present when the former had termed Bengalis as 'Kangals'.
