Tag: Mamata Banerjee

  • Mamata Faces BJP Pressure To Announce Holiday In West Bengal For Ram Temple Event, TMC Calls It political stunt |

    New Delhi: West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Friday appealed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to announce a holiday on January 22 so that the people of the state can join the festivities of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. The central government offices, public sector banks, insurance companies, financial institutions and regional rural banks (RRBs) in the country will be closed for half a day on January 22. Some states, such as Assam and Odisha, which are neighbouring West Bengal, have also declared a half-day holiday for the occasion.

    Majumdar shared a letter he sent to the chief minister on X, saying “I have requested our Hon’ble CM @MamataOfficial (Mamata Banerjee) to kindly consider declaring 22nd January 2024 to be a school holiday, so that the youth of West Bengal gets to rejoice in the Ram Mandir consecration celebrations.”

    I have requested our Hon’ble CM @MamataOfficial to kindly consider declaring 22nd January, 2024 to be a school holiday, so that the youth of West Bengal gets to rejoice in the Ram Mandir consecration celebrations…#RamMandirPranPratishta #RamMandir pic.twitter.com/h4U4TagCKZ
    — Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) January 19, 2024

    He mentioned that the chief minister has given holidays for many special events in the past. He added, “We think that the people of the state should also get the opportunity to participate in the Ram Temple inauguration. We request you to officially declare the day as a holiday.” The TMC leadership, however, expressed doubt over the significance of the date for the Ram temple inauguration.

    TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh asked, “Is there any specific date in the almanac or any other Hindu religious calendar where the auspicious date for Ram Temple inauguration is mentioned? Has Sukanta Majumdar become a priest? The event (Ram Temple inauguration) where many BJP leaders will be present is a political event before the Lok Sabha elections. We don’t mix religion with politics like the BJP.”

    Banerjee, who is also the head of the ruling TMC, will lead a ‘rally for harmony’ on January 22 from Hazra Crossing in south Kolkata to Park Circus, where she will also address a public meeting. She will begin the all-faith march after offering ‘puja’ at the ancient Kalighat temple, and visit places of worship of different religions along the way.

  • Mamata Banerjee Announces Holiday On Prakash Purab In Bengal; Will It Benefit TMC?

    West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that the decision is Bengal government’s tribute to Guru Gobind Singh ji.

  • Putting Aside Differences, Mamata Banerjee Invites PM Modi To Visit Ganga Sagar Mela |

    Kolkata: Keeping aside her political differences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday extended a warm invitation to him to visit the Ganga Sagar Mela, an annual celebration during Makar Sankranti. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, she not only emphasized the event’s uniqueness but also appealed for its designation as a ‘National Fair.’

     

    West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing to him to declare Ganga Sagar Mela a National Fair. She also requests him to make a visit to Ganga Sagar. pic.twitter.com/hl3VktPYtb
    — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2024

     

    Unique Significance Of Ganga Sagar Mela

    Mamata highlighted the Ganga Sagar Mela as one of the “largest spiritual human congregations” globally, second only to Kumbh Mela. She described the geographical splendour of the event, taking place at the confluence of the mighty Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal, unmatched in the world. The Sagar Island, where the Mela is held, sits adjacent to the Sundarbans area.

    Historical And Religious Roots

    The Chief Minister delved into the historical roots of the Mela, tracing it back to a time when the Indian Oceanic network connected Eastern Indian trade with ancient Greco-Roman commerce. She underscored the religious significance, stating that the Ganga Sagar Mela has deep mythological and astrological connections, referenced in ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsham.

    A Global Pilgrimage Destination

    Mamata emphasized that Ganga Sagar Mela is the only such event organized on an island not connected to the mainland. Despite this, it attracts pilgrims from across the world and various Indian states, with almost 1 crore pilgrims visiting last year and expectations of surpassing that number this year.

    State Initiatives And Financial Challenges

    The Chief Minister outlined the state government’s initiatives to ensure the smooth and safe movement of pilgrims, fully funded by the state exchequer. She mentioned the substantial expenditures incurred by the state government to organize an event of this magnitude, currently without any contribution from the central government.

    Mamata disclosed that she had previously requested the central government to declare Ganga Sagar Mela as a ‘National Fair,’ equivalent to the recognized Kumbh Mela. However, a decision on this matter is still pending. In 2021, she raised concerns about the disparate financial support from the Centre, citing its funding for Kumbh Mela but not for Ganga Sagar Mela.

    Ganga Sagar Mela 2024

    The Ganga Sagar Mela for the year 2024 is scheduled from January 8-16, promising a spiritual and cultural extravaganza. The Chief Minister’s invitation to Prime Minister Modi not only highlights the cultural richness of the event but also seeks to elevate its status to a national level.

  • Mamata Calls BJP’s Ram Temple Inauguration A Gimmick Show, Says ‘I Swear On Ishwar-Allah…’ |

    Kolkata: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday slammed the BJP for putting up a “gimmick show” by inaugurating the Ram temple in Ayodhya before the Lok Sabha elections. The TMC chief stated that “she does not endorse festivities that leave out other communities”. Speaking at a public event in Joynagar in South 24 Parganas district, Banerjee said she does not support dividing people on the basis of religion.

    “I have no problem, but it is not right to ignore the people of other communities. I swear by all gods that as long as I live, I will never discriminate between Hindus, Muslims and other communities ,” the West Bengal CM added further.

    “They (BJP) come during the elections and divide on the basis of religion. Yet they do not pay the dues of Bengal. We do what we say, we give free ration, they ask us to put BJP’s logo in our schemes, why should I put it?

    Mamata urged the voters to get their added to the voter list and advised them to not get cut off from voter list or otherwise they (BJP will shout CAA, they will shout NRC.

    “Remember, those whose name is not in the voter list, join the voter list. They were asking me about the Ram temple, as if there is only one work and nothing else,” she added.

    The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be inaugurated on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and more than 6,000 people expected to attend the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony.

  • INDIA bloc: TMC will lead charge in Bengal, India Bloc nationally: Mamata Banerjee

    Setting the tone for 2024 Lok Sabha polls, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said INDIA bloc will taken on the BJP-led NDA in the country while Trinamool Congress will fight on its own in Bengal. Banerjee kicked off the campaign for Lok Sabha polls through a worker’s meet and a public rally at Chakla in North 24 Parganas district.

    Banerjee’s statement on Thursday made clear that there are remote chances of any alliance or seat-sharing with Congress or Left Front in the state.

    Banerjee also hit out at the BJP on CAA, saying, “the citizenship card is a ploy ahead of every Lok Sabha polls in a bid to woo the votes of the Matua community.”AITC took to its X handle and said, “@BJP4India’s yearly revival of the CAA issue is merely a ploy to manipulate people and garner votes. They’ve repeatedly misled the Matua community with false promises of citizenship. Had the Matuas not been legitimate citizens, how would they possess Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, ration cards, and receive the benefits of government schemes and services?”

    Wooing the Matua community in Chakla, Banerjee spoke about the developmental works done for the community in the Matua-dominated North 24 Parganas district.

    “Who did the developmental work for the Matua Thakurbari? We did it and have built colleges and universities… But ahead of elections, they (BJP) visit the Matua Thakurbari and ask for votes, making tall claims,” the West Bengal CM questioned.While talking about the CAA, Banerjee reminded people that all are the citizens of this country. “If you are not a citizen of this country, how are you receiving free ration, Swasthya Sathi, Pan Card, Aadhaar Card? Previously, the citizenship card was the responsibility of the District Magistrates, but the same has been taken away…They want to divide people,” Banerjee asserted.”The Matuas, who came to Bengal from Bangladesh till 1971, live in colonies and we are giving pattas to all those colonies under the name “Chirosthaayi Thikana” to ensure that they don’t have to live like refugees,” Banerjee said.

  • After Left Parties, Mamata Banerjee Likely To Skip Ayodhya Ram Temple Inauguration On Jan 22, Say Sources |

    New Delhi: In a move mirroring the Left parties, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee is not likely to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, slated for January 22, according to sources quoted by news agency PTI. While the exact motive behind her decision remains shrouded in ambiguity, insiders speculate that Banerjee views the event as a political spectacle camouflaged in religious attire. The reluctance to participate stems from her belief that the ceremony might be exploited for political gains.

     

    West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee not to attend the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: Sources pic.twitter.com/5RnmAPoc7p


    — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 2023

     

    Left Parties To Skip Ram Temple Event

    This development follows the footsteps of Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury’s declaration that he will not partake in the event, criticizing the BJP-led Centre for transforming the ceremony into a “state-sponsored” affair. Earlier, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat also declared the party’s boycott of the event.

    Banerjee’s Delicate Balancing Act

    Political analysts suggest that Banerjee is apprehensive about aligning herself with the BJP’s political narrative. With the saffron party aiming to capitalize on the event for its 2024 Lok Sabha campaign, Banerjee seems keen on avoiding any association that might be construed as political endorsement.

    Govt Vs Opposition Over Ram Temple Event 

    The consecration ceremony, scheduled for January 22, is expected to witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. However, the growing dissent is not limited to Banerjee, as reports indicate that key Congress figures, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, may also decide to skip the event.

    ‘BJP Politicising Ram Temple Event’

    The opposition, led by figures like Sitaram Yechury and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, has strongly criticized the ceremony. Yechury stated, “This inauguration ceremony has been converted into a state-sponsored event, not in consonance with the Constitution.” Meanwhile, Sibal labeled the entire affair as a “show-off,” accusing the BJP of deviating from the virtues associated with Lord Ram.

    In the face of mounting dissent, the event raises questions about the intersection of religion and politics on the national stage, setting the stage for a contentious beginning to 2023.

  • Varanasi: Priyanka Gandhi should contest from Varanasi against Modi: WB CM Mamata Banerjee – The Economic Times Video

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  • ‘Mockery Of Democracy’: Mamata Banerjee Attacks Modi Govt Over Suspension Of Opposition MPs |

    New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government on Monday, accusing them of making a “mockery of democracy” following the suspension of 46 Opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Winter Session.

    Ruckus In Parliament: 46 MPs Suspended For “Misconduct”

    A total of forty-six Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) faced suspension for alleged “misconduct” and non-compliance with the Chair’s directives, sparking criticism from Banerjee. She questioned the move, emphasizing the importance of a democratic system and the role of the opposition in raising crucial issues.

    Choked Voices: Opposition Silenced, Says Mamata Banerjee

    “The voices of the people have been choked. Let them suspend the House first. They have no moral right to run this House to suspend the opposition fully…They will run a mockery, nothing else. It is a mockery of democracy,” declared the West Bengal CM, expressing concern over the stifling of dissenting voices.

    Joining Hands With Congress And Seat-Sharing

    Responding to queries about joining hands with Congress, Mamata Banerjee stated, “Somebody must bell the cat…I don’t have any problem if they have genuine things. But in West Bengal, they have only two seats. I am open to talk and discuss.” On the delay in seat sharing in the INDIA alliance, she remarked, “It is not late. Better late than never…”

     

    #WATCH | On delay in seat sharing in INDIA alliance, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, “It is not late. Better late than never…” pic.twitter.com/7Y7GMYK4Lm
    — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

     

    Opposition MPs Suspended Across Houses: Demand For Amit Shah’s Statement

    A total of 45 opposition MPs, including prominent figures like Jairam Ramesh, K.C. Venugopal, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, were suspended from Rajya Sabha. Eleven of them have been referred to the Privilege Committee. The Opposition members have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the breach of Parliament’s security on December 13.

    Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Protests: Security Breach Takes Center Stage

    Lok Sabha witnessed continuous protests, leading to its adjournment for the day. The Opposition’s uproar focused on the breach of Parliament security on December 13. The suspension motion was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, citing members’ violation of rules. The MPs that have been suspended from Lok Sabha are Kalyan Banerjee (TMC), A. Raja (DMK), Dayanidhi Maran (DMK), Aparupa Poddar (TMC), Prasun Banerjee (TMC), ET Mohammed Basheer (IUML), Ganesan Selvam (DMK), CN Annadurai (DMK), Adhir Ranjan Choudhary (INC), T. Sumathy (DMK), Kani K. Navas (IUML), Kalanidhi Veeraswamy (DMK), NK Premachandran (RSP), Sougata Ray (TMC), Satabdi Roy (TMC), Asit Kumar Mal (TMC), Kaushalendra Kumar – (JDU), Anto Antony (INC), SS Palanimanickam (DMK), Pratima Mondal (TMC), Kakoli Ghosh (TMC), K Muraleedharan (INC), Sunil Mondal (TMC), Ramalingam Sellaperumal (DMK), Kodikunnel Suresh (INC), Amar Singh (INC), Rajmohan Unnithan (INC), Su. Thirunavukkarasar (INC), TR Baalu (DMK), Gaurav Gogoi (INC), Vijaykumar Vasanth (INC), Dr. K Jayakumar (INC), Abdul Khaleque (INC).

    Unruly Conduct: Previous Suspensions on December 14

    It is noteworthy that on December 14, a day after the Parliament security breach, 13 Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP were suspended for “unruly conduct” in Parliament. The list includes prominent names like Manickam Tagore, Kanimozhi, PR Natrajan, VK Sreekandan, Benny Bahanan, K Subramanyam, S Venkatesan, and Mohammad Jawed, with Trinamool Congress’s Derek O’Brien being the lone MP suspended from the Rajya Sabha.

  • This Independence Day speech by PM Modi to be his last from ramparts of Red Fort: Mamata

    The TMC boss alleged that Modi has changed the 'Garibi Hatao' (remove poverty) slogan of Indira Gandhi to 'Garib Hatao' (remove the poor people). KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech this year will be his last as the PM from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi.

    Banerjee, while speaking at a pre-Independence Day programme organised by her party the Trinamool Congress at Behala here, also proclaimed that opposition bloc INDIA will soon take the field, adding “khela hobe (we will play)”.

    ‘Khela hobe’ was a slogan that the ruling TMC had coined during the 2021 assembly poll campaign.

    “Modiji’s Independence Day speech tomorrow will be his last speech as prime minister from the ramparts of the Red Fort,” Banerjee said.

    She also asserted that she believes that the opposition bloc INDIA, of which the TMC is a member, will emerge victorious in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

    “INDIA bloc will decimate the BJP across the country. In Bengal, the TMC will decisively defeat the saffron party,” she said.

    The TMC supremo indicated that she does not harbour prime ministerial ambitions, stating that “Bengal does not want ‘Kursi’ (political position), it wants to dislodge the BJP ‘Sarkar’”.

    Banerjee alleged that there are corruption charges against the BJP government at the Centre, citing the Rafale aircraft purchase and demonetisation of high-value notes among “suspect” deals.

    “In Bengal, there have been a few instances of corruption against which we have taken immediate steps. However, the central government has several corruption allegations against it, be it the Rafale jet deal or demonetisation of Rs 2,000 notes,” Banerjee said.

    The chief minister also accused the central government of holding back central allocation for food projects in West Bengal.

    “You (the Centre) are not giving rice to us. You have stopped allocation though you are funding it from our own money. Don’t forget there is a 60:40 allocation ratio for central projects with a 40 per cent state share. If you hold back money to the projects which is our due, people will seek answer from you,” she said.

    The TMC boss alleged that Modi has changed the ‘Garibi Hatao’ (remove poverty) slogan of Indira Gandhi to ‘Garib Hatao’ (remove the poor people).

    “This shows the anti-people nature of the Narendra Modi government which does not give poor people the right to life, the right to livelihood. They only want to crush the dreams of the poor,” she said.

    Cautioning people to sustained attempt to change the history of the country, Banerjee claimed that the saffron party wants people to forget history “but we won’t allow that to happen.”

    The CM also asserted that the Modi government has been changing the names of one project after another, rechristening it after the PM.

    She claimed that the BJP-ruled Gujarat is flaunted as a model by the saffron ecosystem, but if compared by statistics, West Bengal has got laurels on different parameters and is ahead of the western state.

    On the occasion of ‘Kanyashree Divas’, The CM cited statistics of various parameters such as poverty eradication rate, unemployment rate and child mortality rate to buttress her point that West Bengal’s track record is better.

    The West Bengal government observes ‘Kanyashree Divas’ on August 14.

  • On Quit India day, we pledge to make BJP quit Delhi: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

    By PTI

    JHARGRAM: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said tribals in ethnic strife-hit Manipur are facing a crisis and there is none to listen to their plight.

    Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on the anniversary of the Quit India movement, the chief minister said, “We pledge to make BJP quit Delhi.”

    Banerjee, who is on a three-day administrative tour of Jhargram, blamed the BJP-led central government for failing to address the situation in the northeastern state and urged people across the globe to pray for them.

    “The tribals in Manipur are facing a crisis. There is none to listen to their plight. Dalits are tortured in India and the Centre is unmoved, unfazed. They have no right to be in power as they have tortured Dalits. People are being killed in encounters. They are planning to break the country into pieces through planned communal riots,” Banerjee said.

    She was speaking at an administrative programme in Jhargram, mostly inhabited by tribals, to celebrate the ‘International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples’.

    “We had told the British to quit India. Today, we want the BJP-led government at the Centre to quit Delhi. On Quit India Day, let us pledge today to teach BJP a lesson after their betrayal as the Central government. Removing the BJP from the Centre is my only goal for the welfare of the people,” she said.

    In an apparent reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s using Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Quit India’ slogan and attacking the opposition bloc INDIA, Banerjee said, “We don’t need to quit.We belong to this country.”

    The Trinamool Congress supremo criticised the PM, claiming he failed to fulfil the promises he had made to the people of the country before the elections.

    Denouncing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Banerjee said, “There are various castes and practices among different communities and religions. Suddenly, they (the BJP) have started talking about the need to introduce UCC. Why should someone follow their set of rules while getting married? We won’t accept the UCC,” she said.

    People should have the freedom to observe their customs and religious practices according to their wishes, Banerjee stressed.

    The TMC chief accused the CPI(M), Congress and the BJP of having an ‘understanding’ in West Bengal.

    “It is extremely unfortunate that on the national front, CPI(M)-Congress are with INDIA but it seems they are with the BJP here. If they continue this, our fight in Bengal will be against CPI(M) and Congress, along with our fight against BJP,” she said.

    JHARGRAM: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said tribals in ethnic strife-hit Manipur are facing a crisis and there is none to listen to their plight.

    Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on the anniversary of the Quit India movement, the chief minister said, “We pledge to make BJP quit Delhi.”

    Banerjee, who is on a three-day administrative tour of Jhargram, blamed the BJP-led central government for failing to address the situation in the northeastern state and urged people across the globe to pray for them.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “The tribals in Manipur are facing a crisis. There is none to listen to their plight. Dalits are tortured in India and the Centre is unmoved, unfazed. They have no right to be in power as they have tortured Dalits. People are being killed in encounters. They are planning to break the country into pieces through planned communal riots,” Banerjee said.

    She was speaking at an administrative programme in Jhargram, mostly inhabited by tribals, to celebrate the ‘International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples’.

    “We had told the British to quit India. Today, we want the BJP-led government at the Centre to quit Delhi. On Quit India Day, let us pledge today to teach BJP a lesson after their betrayal as the Central government. Removing the BJP from the Centre is my only goal for the welfare of the people,” she said.

    In an apparent reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s using Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Quit India’ slogan and attacking the opposition bloc INDIA, Banerjee said, “We don’t need to quit.We belong to this country.”

    The Trinamool Congress supremo criticised the PM, claiming he failed to fulfil the promises he had made to the people of the country before the elections.

    Denouncing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Banerjee said, “There are various castes and practices among different communities and religions. Suddenly, they (the BJP) have started talking about the need to introduce UCC. Why should someone follow their set of rules while getting married? We won’t accept the UCC,” she said.

    People should have the freedom to observe their customs and religious practices according to their wishes, Banerjee stressed.

    The TMC chief accused the CPI(M), Congress and the BJP of having an ‘understanding’ in West Bengal.

    “It is extremely unfortunate that on the national front, CPI(M)-Congress are with INDIA but it seems they are with the BJP here. If they continue this, our fight in Bengal will be against CPI(M) and Congress, along with our fight against BJP,” she said.