Abhishek Banerjee: Polls as a Protest Against BJP's Policies
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, March 26 (NationPress) Trinamool Congress's All India General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, addressed a public gathering in Dhupguri, located in the Jalpaiguri district, on Thursday to rally support for their candidate, Nirmal Chandra Roy.
He emphasized that this election transcends the mere formation of a government; it serves as a platform for the citizens to voice their concerns, protest against the BJP's policies, and respond decisively to anti-people measures.
During his speech, Banerjee criticized the BJP-led central government, highlighting various controversial decisions. He asserted that actions ranging from demonetisation to the restrictions enforced during the pandemic have inflicted severe hardships on the populace.
He contended that the ruling party has repeatedly caused citizens to queue up unnecessarily.
Banerjee stated, “The time has come to respond to these grievances at the ballot box.”
“From demonetisation to the COVID lockdown, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative, and now the hikes in cooking gas prices... the BJP has forced the public to wait in lines without justification,” he remarked.
He urged voters, “On April 23, when election day arrives, stand in line one last time to confront the very party that has subjected you to such trials.”
The Trinamool leader further alleged that artificial barriers have been established concerning rural and urban development initiatives in the state.
He accused the central government of withholding crucial funding for essential sectors like housing, road infrastructure, drinking water, and job creation.
Banerjee insisted that if the BJP approaches for votes, they must be challenged with the question, “How can they face the public after all the distress they've caused?”
He also pointed out various welfare initiatives launched by the Mamata Banerjee administration.
In particular, he highlighted the state's financial support for youth through the Yuba Sathi scheme, which offers Rs 1,500 per month, totaling Rs 18,000 per year and Rs 90,000 over five years.
He challenged the PM Modi government to match this assistance, stating that in the last twelve years, not even 9 paise has reached the common man’s pocket.