Kolkata, 11 December (H.S.) :

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Centre, the Election Commission and the BJP while addressing a public rally at Krishnanagar in Nadia district. She asserted that all those involved in assaulting a chicken–pattice seller at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground have been arrested, warning that hooliganism will not be tolerated in the state. “This is Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh,” she remarked.

Before the rally, the Chief Minister inaugurated the fourth phase of the Pathashree project, under which more than 2,000 km of roads will be built across 23 districts. She said that the initiative will generate significant employment under the 100-day work scheme.

Taking on the Election Commission, Banerjee questioned whether voting would now be conducted on lists “prepared by the BJP’s IT cell”, adding that such attempts would not succeed. She also targeted the BJP over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, asserting that the party’s plans had failed in Bihar and would not be allowed to succeed in Bengal either.

Accusing the Centre of blocking funds, Banerjee said, “We do not beg from the central government. Despite good work, Bengal is being deprived.” She claimed that the state would continue running the 100-day work scheme using its own resources and alleged that funds earmarked for road construction had also been withheld.

She launched a strong personal attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, cautioning people “not to go near the BSF,” and adding that “both his eyes see only Duryodhana and Dushasana,” in a reference to characters from the Mahabharata.

Commenting on recent mass Gita-chanting events, Banerjee said that everyone reads the Gita and questioned the need for holding public rallies for it.

On the issue of identity documents, she remarked that while Aadhaar is mandatory for bank work and PAN card linkage, it is not accepted for voting or citizenship. “Will Aadhaar be valid only at the BJP’s command?” she asked.

The Chief Minister reiterated that no detention centres would be allowed in West Bengal. Before the rally, she reviewed development projects and administrative preparedness in the district and handed over benefits of various government schemes to eligible beneficiaries during the programme.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh