Unite & fight against divisive politics: Mamata
Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday lashed out at the BJP for their divisive politics and at the same time accused them of making attempts to change the Constitution of the country.
Urging the people of the country to unite and safeguard the Constitution, Banerjee said Bengal is one of the major states where there is no division among people of different castes and creed. "We, in our state, celebrate every single festival unitedly and we do not allow any riots here. All religions are universal and we will always uphold this," Banerjee said at the inauguration of the 8th Christmas Festival at Allen Park in Park Street on Friday.
Referring to the recent remark by actor Naseeruddin Shah, Banerjee said: "What Naseeruddin Shahji has said is significant. He is worried about whether his children will be able to live in this country or not. This government even cancelled the holiday on December 25 in the past. We had written letters in protest," she added.
"We celebrate Durga Puja, Kali Puja and at the same time also observe Eid and Christmas. When Park Street decks up with lights during Christmas, lakhs of people pour in and soak in the festive spirit," Banerjee said.
She lashed out at the BJP for lynching people in the name of cow vigilantism.
"They have killed so many people across the country in the name of cow vigilantism. There is an atmosphere of restlessness across the nation." She reiterated that democracy, peace and secularism should be restored in the country which are at stake under the rule of the BJP government. "Let us think for unity, let us work for unity, let us speak for unity," she maintained.
The Chief Minister also came down heavily on the BJP that has set a target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. "So many farmers have committed suicide across the country but they are unmoved," she said. Banerjee also launched the pension scheme for retired journalists from the venue.
"I have always felt that the media and judiciary are the pillars of democracy. There are a number of journalists who face problems after retirement. This will be of great help to them," she added.
Each journalist will be getting Rs 2,000 per month and 30 journalists were handed over the facility on Friday. She mentioned that the "Maavoi" health scheme for government employees has also been extended to journalists.
