Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee has made a strong statement about her political future, saying she has no intention of retiring from politics. She said she would not stop until the BJP is pushed into political obscurity.
The former West Bengal chief minister’s remarks come amid a major political crisis within the TMC following the party’s defeat in the Bengal Assembly elections, which has been followed by significant dissent within its ranks.
Speaking during a Facebook Live session on Monday (August 24), Banerjee said around four months had passed since the change in power in Bengal and alleged that the “real face” of the BJP had now been exposed before the public.
She accused the police of filing cases arbitrarily and alleged that TMC workers were being told not to remain part of the party. She further claimed that people were being arrested without evidence and that she was being denied permission to hold rallies, forcing her to approach the courts.
Banerjee again questioned the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, alleging irregularities in the elections and warning that she could launch another protest.
She said the SIR matter was still pending before the Supreme Court and challenged the Election Commission to include names on which decisions had already been taken.
“If necessary, we will hold protests,” she said, alleging that the names of lakhs of voters had been illegally removed during the SIR process. She added that she would approach the Supreme Court again if required to ensure their inclusion in the electoral rolls.
Amid protests over alleged delays in financial assistance to women under the Annapurna scheme, Banerjee accused the Shubhendu Adhikari-led government of reducing the number of beneficiaries on grounds of ineligibility.
She said the TMC had launched the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme to make women financially independent, but alleged that the BJP was using religion and caste as the basis for providing funds under Annapurna Bhandar.
The former chief minister accused the BJP of going back on its pre-election promise to provide financial assistance under the Annapurna scheme to all women and alleged that the party was now deceiving them.
Amid clashes between ABVP and Left students at Jadavpur University, Banerjee accused the BJP of orchestrating vandalism on the campus.
She said that despite having differences with some students, her party respects them.
