Gujarat model won't rule Bengal: Mamata

Kolkata: The people of Bengal will not allow Gujarat to rule over the state, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee said while addressing a virtual rally to observe the Martyrs' Day on Tuesday.

"We will not allow Gujarat to rule over Bengal. It is our state and we can manage it well," she said, urging the people to ensure that the deposits of the BJP candidates are forfeited in 2021 Assembly elections. She also assured that the rally on July 21, 2021, will be a historic one.

"I am unhappy that we could not hold the Martyrs' Day rally at Esplanade because of the COVID-19 pandemic but rest assured, the rally on July 21, 2021, will be a historic one."

Coming down heavily on BJP for humiliating and neglecting Bengal every day, Banerjee said the people of the state will not tolerate this and will give a befitting reply in the next year's Assembly elections. She urged party leaders and workers to put up a strong political battle against the BJP and not get scared of the party.

Calling the Centre as "the biggest conspirator", she maintained "it is conspiring with the state BJP unit and spreading canards while trying to disturb the peace by creating trouble in different parts of the state. Look at Bhatpara and Barrackpore where people had voted for the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Now, they cannot come out of their houses because of the violence."

She further added: "BJP only talks about the deteriorating law and order situation in Bengal. They should concentrate in Uttar Pradesh where policemen are getting killed and the prime accused in several murder cases is killed in an encounter."

Banerjee also alleged that the BJP is trying to create problems in Jangalmahal and in the Hills. "Everywhere they are trying to create trouble. They try to incite the Hindus against the Muslims, the Rajbangshis against the Kantapuris and the Scheduled Castes against the Tribes. BJP is trying to divide Bengal," she maintained.

Banerjee accused the BJP of using money to win state elections or overthrow opposition governments in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. She also accused the Centre of introducing "kaala kanoon" (dark laws) and destroying the country's economic and democratic structure.

"It is the people's money which they spend during elections. In Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan they have spent money to win over the Opposition. They will play the same trick in Bengal. If they have so much money, let them give Rs 10,000 to each migrant worker who does not have a job."

Banerjee said the BJP leaders do not have any political culture and are flexing muscles after they won few seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "We had launched several movements to end the CPI(M) misrule in Bengal and these leaders who do not have political ideology always talk about violence. This is not Bengal's political culture and people are not going to tolerate them."

The TMC chief added: "If they think BJP will come to power with the support of old CPI(M) leaders, they are living in a fool's paradise. To win in Bengal one should talk about development and not spread lies."

She urged party workers to build intense contact with the people at the grassroots and not to do anything that would tarnish the image of the party.

"I invite those who joined other parties to come back. If they have made mistakes, then please remember that the TMC is the only party that can give good governance. I am inviting dedicated youths to join us and work on the field to help us choose the next line of leadership," said Banerjee.