Mamata Banerjee claims BJP government will last for only six more months, urges BSF impartiality
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Credit: PTI photo.
Jalpaiguri: West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, asserted today that the BJP-led government at the Centre would endure for another six months because the Lok Sabha polls will take place in February-March 2024. "The next Lok Sabha polls will be held in February-March. The tenure of the BJP government is just around six months. Sensing defeat, it is trying to lobby with various groups and communities," she said.
She took a dig at the BJP for its outreach to the minority community, accusing them of hypocrisy. Banerjee stated, "Those who are accused of lynching minorities and Dalits are now sharing pictures with the minorities. They are now sharing pictures with Muslim community members to show how much they care about them. Those Muslims, who are more of businessmen and do not care about the poor and downtrodden, are being used by the BJP." She assured minorities of their safety and security as long as "Didi is here," referring to herself with the affectionate title her supporters use.
Speaking at a rally in Jalpaiguri district ahead of the upcoming panchayat polls on July 8, Banerjee also called for impartiality from the Border Security Force (BSF), citing uncertainty about the BJP's future in power.
She also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh and job opportunities for the families of those allegedly killed in BSF firing incidents. She called on the BSF to act impartially and independently, cautioning that although the BJP might not remain in power tomorrow, the force should continue carrying out its duties. She referred to the alleged shooting of villagers by the BSF last year, urging them to refrain from engaging in atrocities.
The Trinamool Congress chief also criticised the role of the CPI(M) and Congress, expressing disappointment in their actions that she thinks are benefiting the BJP in West Bengal. Despite her efforts to form a grand opposition alliance against the BJP at the national level, she claimed that in Bengal, the BJP, CPI(M), and Congress were working together.
She also asked people to vote for TMC in the upcoming rural polls and promised to tackle corruption. "We want to ensure a people's panchayat this time, and our party will monitor all activities after the results to ensure zero corruption."
On July 8, the state is expected to witness the participation of around 5.67 crore voters, who will elect nearly 75,000 candidates across zilla parishads, panchayat samiti, and gram panchayats.
