Kolkata, 18 April (H.S.) : Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday claimed that the united Opposition INDIA bloc had successfully blocked the Centre’s attempts at constitutional amendments, asserting that it was the proposed delimitation bill, not the women’s reservation bill, that had been stopped.

Addressing a public rally in Murshidabad in support of party candidates, Banerjee said the Bharatiya Janata Party would not be able to alter the Constitution despite its intentions. He maintained that the unity of Opposition parties had prevented the Centre from pushing through its proposals.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee held roadshows in the Farakka and Samserganj Assembly segments. A large number of supporters gathered during the procession from Al-Aman Shiksha Mission ground to Jigri More in Farakka. Crowds were seen lining the streets, while many people watched from rooftops and balconies.

During his speech after the roadshow, Banerjee targeted Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury and Aam Janata Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir. Later, at another rally held at Lalbagh Singhi High School ground in support of Trinamool candidate Shaoni Singh Roy, he criticised both the BJP and the Congress.

Banerjee accused the Centre of pursuing divisive politics but said the Trinamool Congress and other Opposition parties had collectively foiled such efforts. He said the Constitution had been protected because of the strength of the people.

On the issue of names being deleted from voter lists, Banerjee assured affected individuals that identity cards would be provided to them soon.

Raising the issue of Ganga erosion, he said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had repeatedly written to the Centre seeking declaration of the crisis as a national disaster, but no action had been taken so far. He also accused the Congress of remaining inactive on local issues.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh