Is Abhishek Banerjee Calling for a Change of Government at the Centre?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Banerjee calls for a government change at the Centre.
- He argues it's not Bengal but Delhi that needs transformation.
- BJP's attempts to adapt to Bengali culture are criticized.
- Central government accused of oppression and misuse of agencies.
- Upcoming elections seen as a pivotal moment for Bengal's rights.
Kolkata, Jan 18 (NationPress) Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday criticized the BJP, asserting that a change in government is essential at the Centre. The Diamond Harbour MP emphasized that it is not Bengal that requires transformation, but rather the 'landlords' residing in Delhi.
In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks targeting the West Bengal government with the slogan, 'Change is needed, we need a BJP government', Banerjee leveraged this statement to mount a counter-offensive.
During a roadshow in Nadia district's Chapra area, he proclaimed, "Modi ji claims change is necessary. In truth, you aim to alter the populace of Bengal. You believed that by withholding Bengal's rightful funds and oppressing the people, they would yield to you. But understand this, Trinamool Congress and the people of Bengal will not compromise their integrity. We will not submit to the landlords or outsiders from Delhi."
Banerjee also sharply criticized BJP leaders' attempts to assimilate into Bengali culture. He remarked, "You have initiated the change yourselves. Leaders who once came to Bengal and commenced their speeches with 'Jai Shri Ram' are now proclaiming 'Jai Ma Kali'. They have had to alter their slogans. Just wait and see, post the Assembly elections, PM Modi will also chant the 'Joy Bangla' slogan when he visits Bengal. In fact, the essence of Bengal is transforming you."
Additionally, the Trinamool Congress leader reiterated his condemnation of central deprivation and the misuse of agencies against his party members.
He alleged that the central government has subjected Bengal's populace to severe oppression over the past five years, with leaders facing harassment via the ED and CBI.
"No matter how many agencies you deploy, the people of Bengal will respond decisively. In the forthcoming Assembly elections, the citizens will retaliate against this deprivation by reducing the BJP's seats to below 50," he asserted.
Referring to the 2021 Assembly elections in West Bengal, Abhishek Banerjee stated, "You couldn't defeat me even with phone tapping. Bengal has discerned the true nature of your tactics." He added that the struggle is no longer against a mere political party, but a conflict over Bengal's rights versus Delhi's authoritarianism.