Women MLAs of Trinamool Congress on Friday took out a rally inside the Assembly House campus protesting against the proposed policies on the issuance of H-1B visa by the United States government.
It may be recalled that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had tweeted on Thursday to express her concern over the proposed visa policies, approved by US President Donald Trump, and urged the Central government to take necessary steps.
The MLAs took out a march and raised placards which said "IT [information technology] professionals are our pride and inspiration. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters. We pledge our solidarity with our IT professionals in USA."
Meanwhile, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad members on Friday took out a rally against the proposed US visa policy on College Street. The rally started from College Square and passed through College Row, Shyamacharan Dey Street and Mirzapur Street. The protesters demanded withdrawal of the proposed policy, saying that it would affect the IT industry adversely.
Earlier, Banerjee – the TMC supremo – met all the party MLAs and asked them to be present in the Assembly daily. She also asked them to take part in debate and express their views.
This has been encouraged as the Opposition has on different issues demand voting and so presence of ruling MLAs is essential. It may be recalled in 2016, Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay had urged all the MLAs to take up the Assembly session seriously and raise important issues.
Banerjee also cautioned an MLA from Birbhum who, along with his brother, were reportedly in close contact with Bharatiya Janata Party. "I have all the information and I caution you. You and your brother are keeping contact with BJP."
The MLAs remained tight-lipped and refused to disclose what the party supremo had said. Banerjee had also expressed her displeasure over the attitude of some MLAs. "You will have to work for the people who are our only concern. Work for them and there is no place for those who are not working hard," she said.