India needs 'people's govt': CM
Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government at the Centre, emphasising on the fact that it has reached its "expiry date" and that the country needs a "people's government" for future years. She further asserted that the new "United India" government will fight terrorism in the country and restore peace and stability in Kashmir.
Addressing a huge gathering at the conclusion of the TMC's International Women's Day rally at Dorina Crossing, Banerjee said: "Your (Modi government's) expiry date is over. The new government will tackle terrorism and restore peace in Kashmir. It is our promise to reinstate peace and harmony in the country. All of us will do it together."
Accusing the Prime Minister of his government's failure to tackle terrorist attacks like the ones in Pathankot, Uri and Pulwama, Banerjee added: "You (Modi) didn't think of terrorists in the last five years. Now, with the elections knocking at the door you are showing off the country's military prowess and trying to create war hysteria."
The Chief Minister also added that there has been a 260 percent rise in terror incidents in Kashmir during the present regime. She maintained that the country is being run at the behest of only two persons — Narendra Modi and BJP state president Amit Shah and said even the Central Cabinet ministers have been kept in the dark about several decisions. "A private company can run in this fashion but not an entire nation. We will be having a new "United India" government and it will be a people's government," she added referring to the anti-BJP alliance.
Targeting the Prime Minister over the alleged theft of documents regarding the Rafale deal, she said: "They are saying Rafale documents have been stolen. Has the nation's internal security documents been stolen too? When you cannot protect Rafale documents, then how will you provide security to the country."
Raising a new slogan of 'Gali Gali Me Shor Hai, Modi Sarkar Chor Hai' at the rally, the Chief Minister maintained: "You (Modi) have stolen the entire country's assets. What is left now? When you are removed from power, the country would come to know how you have stolen all our assets. All the democratic institutions are in jeopardy. The situation in the country has compelled the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) chief to resign and forced the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director was forced to leave."
Banerjee also took a dig at the Prime Minister over his exorbitant expenditure for publicity campaigns and raised questions over the procurement of such money.
Accompanied by senior women leaders of her party, the Chief Minister walked from Central Kolkata's Sradhananda Park to Esplanade on Friday morning to celebrate the power of womanhood on the occasion of International Women's Day.
