This is a vote of protest against injustice and anarchy: Mamata Banerjee on Presidential elections

This is a vote of protest against injustice and anarchy: Mamata Banerjee on Presidential elections
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses the press at State Assembly

They (BJP) are trying to sell the country just because they have the numbers. There is injustice, anarchy and lawlessness across the country. They do not pay any heed to the opinion of the people. They may have the numerical strength, but that doesn’t mean they can do anything. There are constitutional norms.

We also have more than two-thirds majority in Bengal. Despite having numerical strength we have never taken any anti-people decisions. Trinamool is always pro-people.

We have supported Meira Kumar in the presidential polls. But we will respect the NDA candidate too if he becomes the President. This vote is our protest against injustice. This is a vote for resistance. We will continue to speak for the people. There are some parties which still support the BJP. It is time for all to come together to fight the BJP in the national interest.

All sections of society are under attack, including the media. Various agencies are being misused. We are the worst sufferers. We are the victims of circumstance. India’s relations with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh have worsened. Bengal shares its borders with these countries. What will happen if China takes control of Sikkim? What will happen to the ‘chicken neck’ region near Siliguri? The Centre’s wrong policies have worsened our relations with our neighbours.

We want cordial relations with Bangladesh. But we have information that Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) burnt effigies of Sheikh Hasina on July 1. Why was it allowed? How is the VHP giving arms training to women and children in the name of Durga Vahini. Parallel governments are being run in the name of gau-rakshaks and vahinis. Where is the RAW, IB, NSA and NIA?

Nearly 400 schools have mushroomed around the Pashupati Gate near Darjeeling where Chinese language is being taught. Who allowed that to happen? Jamaatis – who are also fighting Sheikh Hasina – were allowed to enter through Saatkheera and incite communal violence through videos. People here believe in harmony and we thwarted their efforts. But the question remains, who allowed them to enter?

We have registered our protest against injustice and anarchy. Very few parties, apart from us, have this conviction. Eighteen political parties have come together for these polls; we thank them. To the other parties, I wish to tell you, BJP will not spare you either. This is the right time to form an alliance.

Trinamool will continue to be vocal about Kashmir, the attack on Amarnath yatris, Aadhaar card, violence in the name of gau-raksha and the systemic efforts to break the federal structure. They have pushed the country backwards with demonetisation. Note bandi and GST have become instruments of corruption. How much black money was recovered? The country is yet to know.

They will orchestrate riots and States will have to bear the brunt? This cannot continue. We will keep fighting like tigers. They can keep indulging in the politics of vindictiveness if they wish. We are ready to go to jail. We will not bow down our heads.