Mamata vows to stand by police force
Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the dharna at Esplanade would continue till February 8 as after that use of microphones in the open will not be allowed due to Madhyamik Examination starting from February 12.
Justifying the Satyagraha titled "Save Constitution" at Esplanade, Banerjee said: "Our 'Satyagraha' is not against any individual agency. Our protest is against the anarchic moves by the Modi government, against their attempts to divide the country and spread hate, intimidation and terror among people."
She further added: "We are holding this demonstration under the 'Save India' banner to protect the Constitutional, democratic and social rights of people. We also want to ensure that people's freedom of speech is protected and the officials of different state and central agencies can work impartially."
Noting that her demonstration has received support from opposition leaders across the country, Banerjee said her tirade against the BJP government is not an individual battle but a collective fight.
"There are no political issues here. Law should take its own course. But if someone tries to destroy the democratic fabric of the country illegally, then the whole democracy becomes irrelevant," said the Trinamool Congress supremo, who was accompanied by close party aides and several city-based artists and intellectuals on the dais.
"It is not a small issue. Prominent leaders from across the country have extended their support to us. All the state-based political parties and those who believe in the importance of Federal structure are beside us. It is not an individual fight but a collective fight," she said.
Earlier on Monday evening, the chief minister handed over awards to police officers.
Addressing a gathering in connection with the Investiture ceremony of the Kolkata and State Police, criticising the BJP at the Centre, she said: "Leucoplast should be pasted on the lips of those who slam the police force for being corrupt and say there is no law and order in Bengal."
She further added: "We all enjoy when Durga Puja takes place. Think of the police personnel. They are on round-the-clock-duty, depriving their family members from spending some quality time with them. We have to respect and honour them."
She maintained that both Surajit Kar Purkayastha, the state security advisor, and Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar had requested her not to go there. "Both Surajit and Rajeev requested me not to go. But I thought it was my duty to stand by him. Not because of him as a person but he is the Commissioner of Police who heads the police force. How can you go to his house on a Sunday to arrest him without any evidence or warrant," she remarked."
"They say Rajeev has taken money, I have taken money. Those who are corrupt are not touched, and they run away," she said.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders began arriving in Kolkata on Monday evening, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK leader Kanimozhi arrived at Kolkata Airport to meet the Bengal CM.
