Mamata writes to 15 Oppn leaders, calls for united fight against BJP
'I am writing this letter... to convey my serious concerns over a series of assaults by the BJP & its govt at the Centre on democracy & constitutional federalism in India'
Kolkata: Alleging that the BJP-led Central government had been 'assaulting' the country's democracy and 'constitutional federalism', TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to the chiefs of at least 15 Opposition leaders from 'non-BJP parties' urging them to put up a 'united' fight against the saffron party's attempt to dilute the powers of state governments.
Banerjee reached out to the Opposition leaders amid the ongoing state Assembly polls in Bengal. After the elections conclude, Banerjee proposed to work with 'like-minded' parties and prepare a plan of action for the 'united struggle.'
"I am writing this letter...to convey my serious concerns over a series of assaults by the BJP and its government at the Centre on democracy and constitutional federalism in India," she wrote in the three-page letter. Citing seven points, Banerjee explained how the BJP was trying to 'destroy' the federal structure for establishing its 'one-party authoritarian rule.' She urged the Opposition parties to join hands to 'present a credible alternative to the people.'
Referring to the controversial National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2021 — which grants more power to the Delhi's Lieutenant Governor than the city's elected government — Banerjee wrote that 'the Lieutenant Governor has been made the undeclared Viceroy of Delhi, acting as a proxy for the Home Minister and Prime Minister.' She claimed that the new law was a 'direct attack' on the federal structure and 'disempowers' people of the national Capital. She also alleged that the law violated the 2018 verdict of a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court which had earlier upheld the 'pre-eminence of Delhi's elected government in all matters other than police, public order and land.'
Banerjee highlighted that the Centre had been creating troubles for non-BJP ruled state governments by using the Governors. "Governors are working as office-bearers of BJP," Banerjee wrote. She alleged that the BJP had been 'vindictively misusing' Central agencies like CBI, ED and other functionaries.
