Kolkata, 21 July (H.S.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the central government during her speech at the Shahid Diwas rally held in Dharmatala, Kolkata, on 21st July. She accused the Centre of escalating political vendetta and injustice, and warned that the people’s verdict in the days ahead will jail those who are jailing others today.
“You are putting everyone in jail! But remember, the people will jail you through democracy. That day is not far,” Mamata declared, addressing the crowd.
She accused the BJP-led central government of arresting thousands across various states before elections without justification.
“People are being jailed in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan—just for speaking Bengali! Justice is weeping in silence. There’s a conspiracy to silence the people’s voice,” she said.
Taking a jibe at the BJP, Mamata questioned, “In trying to change Bengal, will the government in Delhi be changed instead? Friends, change has already happened in Bengal. Now it’s Delhi’s turn. We must hit a sixer—bowl out the BJP and send the CPM into political orbit.”
She also laid the foundation for an intensified movement against the Centre, proclaiming,
“From this Shahid Diwas stage, we lay the foundation to uproot Delhi. Our fight will not stop until you are removed.”
Mamata also slammed the BJP for trying to control personal choices and cultural identity.
“They want to decide who eats what—fish, meat, or eggs. One BJP leader claimed Bengal has 17 lakh Rohingyas! Where did you find them? You are insulting Bengal’s people,” she said angrily.
She accused the BJP of trying to divide people along religious lines.
“They are trying to save their politics by dividing Hindus and Muslims. But the people of Bengal won’t accept that. We all live together—Bengal rejects the politics of division,” she said.
In a powerful reminder of the historic struggle of 13 martyrs in 1993, Mamata said, “They sacrificed their lives to save democracy. Without them, we wouldn't even have the right to vote. That fight continues even today.”
She vowed that the fight would continue until the BJP is defeated in Delhi, saying, “This battle will end only when the BJP is politically immersed (visarjan) in Delhi.”
Mamata didn’t spare the CPM either, accusing them of collusion with the BJP and of devastating Bengal during their rule.
“The government of skeletons (CPM) destroyed Bengal. Ram and Bam joined hands to ruin this state. But people have voted for development and democracy,” she said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the welfare schemes her government has implemented. She claimed that 94 active social schemes, including Lakshmir Bhandar, Sabuj Sathi, and Kanyashree are operational in the state. Nine crore people are receiving free ration. She claimed 40% unemployment reduction in Bengal and added that 77 lakh people got employed through Karmashree.
On Swasthya Sathi health scheme she said, “8.72 crore people benefit from this service. The Centre thought Bengal would fall by stopping 100 days’ work. But Bengal knows how to fight—it never bows down.”
Political observers believe Mamata’s aggressive speech sets the tone for 2026 Assembly elections and 2029 Lok Sabha elections, clearly signaling that Bengal will resist any central domination or cultural imposition.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
