Kolkata: In Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government performed the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram today. While the civil society and the leaders of political organizations held rallies to raise concern over the politicization of the Ram Temple inauguration, in Kolkata. Mamata Banerjee during her rally stated that the fight for life is on, and so is the fight to live together in a plural society. She mentioned that she will be fighting it out to stay united.
She was accompanied by several religious heads, while Trinamool Congress’ National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee was also present at the rally.
Another rally as well as a convention called Anti-Fascist Brigade led by CPIML and TMC leaders as well as civil society together held a rally in the city.
Banerjee started her Sanhati Rally after performing Aarti at the Kalighat Kali Temple, then she visited Garcha Gurudwara, then a church and mosque in Park Circus before culminating at the Park Circus Maidan. Here she also addressed the crowd.
In her 30-minute long speech which was both in Hindi as well as in Bangla, the TMC chief not only attacked the BJP for its majoritarian politics and spreading disinformation against her but also delivered a message for CPM and Godi Channels. She also recalled Rabindranath Tagore and Mohammed Iqbal’s poems.
“The country did not run on bloodshed and divisive policies. We also get threats and face problems, because we fight against the BJP. Country did not run on bloodshed and division. We also get threats and face problems, because we fight against BJP. And, we will not let BJP win a single seat in Bengal,” TMC chief claimed.
Arguing that it is the most important fight of her life, she mentioned, “It is a fight for life, the fight to live together. If you want to live together, then don’t fear. It is tough to fight but we will win.”
Regarding the INDIA block, she hinted about her future stand, “I give the name of INDIA but I do not feel good when we see that CPM holds INDIA’s meeting. With whom I have fought for 34 years, I will not be guided by them.”
The Bengal CM also took on media channels. I have no issue with reporters, but the owner should be ashamed.
“Media’s owners are doing things like telecasting the Pran Pratishtha live. The coverage is being done in such a way as if it’s a fight for independence, the hype is like that. There must be a call. You do not show (our) good work. When people die, when people face problems, you don’t show but when BJP neta (PM Modi) does something, you show him as Vishwa Guru.”
And further argued people not to watch channels, “Internal (independent) press, I salute them. But news channels are doing business, they are selling you. If you want to save Bengal, Ishawar Chandra (Vidyasabgar), Vivekananda, Rabindra (Tagore), Nazrul. Don’t watch news channels. If you watch, you will be tense.”
The only woman chief minister of India then recited some couplets, “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. May God Bless All of You, Khudi Ko Kar Buland Itna Ki Har Taqdeer Se Pehle, Khuda Bande Se Puchey Bata Teri Raza Kya Hai? Muddai Lakh Bura Chahe to Hota Hai Kiya, Wohi Hota Hai Jo Mazure Khuda Hota Hai.”
And mentioned, “Keep it in mind that, what Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow.”
While marking the beginning of the Anti-Fascist Grand Conference in Kolkata, AICCTU, AIPWA, AIARLA, AISA, RYA and other left groups organised a march to defend the constitution, democracy and the republic.
The rally reverberated with slogans against BJP-RSS’s relentless assault on people’s lives and livelihoods.
The march was joined by CPI (ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, minister in Mamata Banerjee’s cabinet Bratya Basu, Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam and social activists- Harsh Mander, Teesta Setalvad, Guahar Raza and Nadeem Khan. A conference was also held at Netaji Indoor Stadium.
