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Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Martyrs' Day Rally: Abhishek sets poll tone: ‘BJP forced to chant Joy Bangla, now lotus will be uprooted from Bengal'
In a scathing attack on the BJP, TMC leader and No. 2 in the party, Abhishek Banerjee on Monday said the BJP will be sent to detention camps after next year's Assembly polls in the state and their leaders will be forced to chant 'Joy Bangla' in the next 10 months. Addressing the TMC's mega annual Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata's Dharamtala area, Abhishek said the decision to call the BJP a 'Banglar Birodhi' (anti-Bengal) party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was to 'expose' its true character. 'Jonotar Gorjon, Bangla-Birodhider Bishorjon (the cry of people, immersion of anti-Bengal party) wasn't just a political slogan but the exposure of BJP's real character,' he said. Taking forward party supremo and aunt Mamata Banerjee's offensive against the main Opposition party in the state over the harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in BJP-ruled states, the Diamond Harbour MP said: 'The BJP wants to take Bengalis to detention camps for speaking their language. I want to tell them clearly — after the 2026 elections, it is you whom we will send to the detention camps after defeating you democratically.' Without taking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name, he said BJP leaders who used to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan are now saying 'Jai Ma Durga', 'Jai Ma Kali' under pressure. Last week, PM Modi at a BJP rally in Durgapur began his speech by invoking Goddesses Durga and Kali. 'This is the victory of the Trinamool Congress. This is the victory of the people of Bengal. The very people of Bengal whom they wanted to starve, the BJP leaders are now bowing before them and chanting Joy Maa Kali and Joy Maa Durga. This is the victory of 12 crore farmers, labourers, youth, adivasis and the victory of the culture and heritage of Bengal.' 'They (the BJP government at the Centre) used Income Tax to target Durga Puja committees and stop Durga Puja. They insulted Durga Puja, and now in this very land of Bengal, they have to stand and say Joy Maa Durga, instead of Jay Shri Ram. Mark my words, in 10 months, they will have to chant 'Joy Bangla',' the 37-year-old MP from Diamond Harbour said. He also accused the BJP of insulting the Bangla language and Bengal, 'which showed the way to the country during the freedom struggle and the renaissance'. 'Our poets and legends, Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, gave a face to the soul of the country through their works. The freedom fighters of Bengal like Rash Behari Bose, Bagha Jatin, and Khudiram Bose set an example with their fight not only in Bengal but across the Indian subcontinent. But the BJP insults the language they spoke,' Abhishek said to huge applause. He also lashed out against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly targeting Bengali-speaking citizens in his state and calling them Bangladeshis. 'A fortnight has passed since the Assam CM, sitting on an elected Constitutional chair, spoke against Bengalis. I want to know what disciplinary steps the BJP central leaders have taken against him. I appeal to our MPs to speak in Bengali in the current Parliament session, if required, and dare them to silence us,' he said. 'Why is the BJP so irritated if someone speaks Bengali? Is it because they couldn't win in Bengal? Bengalis take immense pride in their mother tongue and should enhance the frequency of speaking in Bangla manifold… You (BJP) think you can bend the TMC and people of Bengal according to your will? We were born in Bengal, not in Gujarat or UP, and we will neither bow before you nor sell our spines or surrender,' he added. Maintaining that Bengal doesn't discriminate among citizens of this country on the grounds of religion, language, food habits or customs, the TMC leader warned that if the divisive powers wanted to play with fire, then they would be the first to get smouldered by the flames. 'Do not suffer from the complacency that Trinamool will win no matter what because we have Mamata Banerjee to lead us. Of course, she will guide us. But you have to fight the battle on the ground and ensure that you do not concede an inch of land to those who have continuously hurt our self-respect,' Banerjee told party workers. Asserting that the TMC will come to power in West Bengal for the fourth consecutive term, the TMC leader, referring to BJP's poll symbol, the lotus, said: 'Before 2021 (Assembly polls), we used the slogan of 'Khela Hobe' (the game is on). This time we are saying, 'Poddo Phool Upre Fela Hobe' (the lotus flower will be uprooted).' (With PTI Inputs)
Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Over 40 held after violent protests break out at LPG bottling plant in Bengal
Tension gripped the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd's LPG bottling plant in West Bengal's Budge Budge on Tuesday night after a violent protest by drivers and porters broke out. The agitators are demanding payment of 'pending dues of three years'. Over 40 protestors have been arrested for the agitation which saw bikes vandalized, gas cylinders opened and fuel poured onto the streets. The unrest began on Tuesday night following a meeting called to discuss the 'long-pending dues'. The meeting was reportedly scheduled to be led by Jahangir Khan, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and party observer for Budge Budge, known for his proximity to Diamond Harbour MP and TMC All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. According to the protesters, the drivers were called at Khan's office in the area for the meeting when 'several miscreants suddenly came and attacked the drivers' and assaulted them. The assault triggered an immediate protest. On being informed, a large contingent of police from the Budge Budge police station rushed to the spot. The team was led by Additional Superintendent of Police Headquarters Amlan Kusum Ghosh. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was also deployed. A protesting driver, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, 'We had to protest for our food. Our backs are against the wall. We were forced to take to the streets. Three meetings were held in a week but no solution was found. The leaders did not come forward to help.' Another protestor said, 'We are 300 drivers and 300 helpers working here. Each driver (is supposed to) get more than Rs 1 lakh. They want to pay 40 percent of our dues. We will not accept it.' Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Rahul Goswami said that Budge Budge police have launched an investigation into the incident. 'Police have set up a picket in the area due to tension. I am also keeping an eye on the situation. The police are collecting CCTV footage to identify the culprits,' he said. The protest drew sharp criticism from Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, who posted on X on Wednesday, calling it 'a glaring example of the TMC's syndicate culture spiralling out of control'. Adhikari said that 'a single spark could have ignited a massive fire, potentially engulfing the entire bottling plant near Budge Budge Institute of Technology (BBIT) College, Jagannath Gupta Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, and surrounding areas in a deadly inferno.' Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics. With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences. Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More
New Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
TMC's Abhishek criticises Centre for 'lack' of accountability over Pahalgam attack
The TMC leader first questioned how four heavily armed terrorists managed to infiltrate the Indian borders and carry out an attack that left 26 civilians dead. Calling it a "massive breach in national security", Banerjee asked who would take responsibility for the "failure". He also targeted the Intelligence Bureau, questioning why its chief was granted a one-year extension just a month after the attack. "If this was an intelligence failure, why was the Intelligence Bureau Chief granted a one-year extension, that too barely a month after the attack? Why was he rewarded rather than held accountable? What is the compulsion?" he asked. Banerjee also questioned the government's "selective" use of surveillance technology. "If the GoI can conveniently use Pegasus spyware against opposition leaders (including me), journalists and even judges, what stops it from using the same tools against terrorist networks and suspects?" he asked. Banerjee raised doubts over the fate of the attackers in Pahalgam and demanded clarity. "Where are the four terrorists responsible for this brutal, religion-based massacre? Are they dead or alive? If they have been neutralised, why has the government failed to make a clear statement? And if they haven't, why is the silence?" the TMC's Diamond Harbour MP wrote on social media. He also brought up the issue of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and questioned the Centre's "silence" on a reported statement by the US President claiming that he persuaded India into a ceasefire with trade promises.
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Not Abhishek's only Mamata's photos on Trinamool Martyrs' Day rally
The Trinamool Congress leadership on Saturday (June 14, 2025) decided that photographs of party chairperson Mamata Banerjee will feature on all official posters for the July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, as national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has opted out stating he was not part of the movement in 1993. Often, the posters of Trinamool Congress feature the photographs of both the party chairperson and the general secretary. Over the past few years, as the stature of the Diamond Harbour MP grew, his photographs have prominently featured in the posters and banners of West Bengal's ruling party. 'The poster for the July 21 rally will contain only Mamata Banerjee's photograph. Abhishek Banerjee himself said his photo should not be there as he was not part of the original movement in 1993,' senior Trinamool Congress leader and the party's leader in the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandopadhyay, told media persons. The decision of Abhishek Banerjee to opt out of the posters for the Martyrs' Day rally puts an end to all speculation about whose photographs should be given prominence at official events. From calendars to party posters, the Trinamool Congress has often grappled with the issue of which leaders' photographs should be prominently displayed. A few months ago, the 2025 calendar sent to district units displayed the photographs of both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, but the state leadership later instructed district leaders not to use the calendar. Earlier in February 2025, Abhishek Banerjee's photograph was not used at a party event at Netaji Indoor Stadium. The Martyrs' Day rally, held every year on July 21, is a major event of the State's ruling party, where the Trinamool Congress pays homage to the 13 Youth Congress workers who were killed in police firing during the Left Front regime. Check infighting Amid preparations for the annual rally, the Trinamool Congress leadership is trying to check infighting in the party, particularly in the State's Birbhum district. Senior Trinamool Congress leaders Subrata Bakshi, Firhad Hakim, and Aroop Biswas held a meeting with Anubrata Mondal and Kajal Sheikh, both of whom have been embroiled in a long-standing feud in the district. The party leadership urged both leaders to ensure that the factional feud does not spill into the public domain. The meeting comes days after an audio clip of Mr. Mondal abusing and threatening a police officer went viral. Mr. Mondal was heard not only threatening the officer but also using vile language against the officer's wife and mother. Mr. Hakim said that the party has given a 'last warning' to Anubrata Mondal and that he will not repeat such mistakes in the future. The July 21 Martyrs' Day rally is a widely anticipated event by the Trinamool rank and file, where the party chairperson is expected to outline the strategy for the Assembly polls scheduled in 2026.
United News of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
In next dialogue with Pakistan, India should reclaim PoK: Abhishek Banerjee
Jakarta, May 30 (UNI) West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress MP Abshishek Banerjee, representing India's all party Parliamentary outreach mission in Indonesia, on Friday demanded New Delhi in the next dialogue with Pakistan should restrict itself only to reclaiming PoK and called upon the Indian diaspora to visit Kashmir the next time they return home. "In the next dialogue with Pakistan, our approach should be to talk about reclaiming PoK.,*: Banerjee said in Jakarta. Banerjee urged the Indian diaspora to spend three additional days in Kashmir with their families during their next visit to India. Addressing the business and community leaders from the Indian said it was always good to see so many Indians on foreign soil and added It also reminds him of India's might and vigour. "It is a testament to the fact that in this war, India is not alone — it has its diaspora by its side,' Banerjee said, pointing to the assembled people. He opined that India's diaspora carries India's pluralism, the idea of "Unity in Diversity, and its strength in adversity. Banerjee said cross-border terrorism has become a global imperative, and al should raise their voices against it — " whether you are a student or a professional in any distinguished field," "You must expose our neighbour, Pakistan, which has been nurturing, harbouring, and shielding terrorists to hatch and execute terror plots against us. There is ample proof available for the world to see," the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member said. The Indian all party delegation visited various countries and whoever they met agreed to "stand with India in its fight against terrorism, and we must all do our part by raising this issue within our respective circles. We need to expose Pakistan," Banerjee said. "What more does India need to offer the world, when the evidence is out in the open? Everyone could clearly see top officials of Pakistan Army attending the funerals of the terrorists," he told the Indian diaspora. *Look at the composition of our delegation. I might have differences with the ruling party, but I will not let my political interests override my national interest. I will keep working for what is in the best interest of my nation.* The TMC general secretary said. *Pakistan is trying to play the victim, acting as both the arsonist and the firefighter at the same time.* he iterated. He said India would not depend on others, and it was the responsibility of every Indian to expose Pakistan before the world." We've seen that almost all major terror links trace back to Pakistan — whether it was 9/11 or 26/11. The likes of Hafiz Saeed, Osama bin Laden, and terror camps like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), among others — all have ties to Pakistan. "Pakistan tries to show the world that it is engaging in peace talks while simultaneously pulling the trigger with the other hand. Terror and talks cannot go together," Banerjee said. He said India has been engaging in talks with Pakistan for the last 50 years. "We come from the land of Rabindranath Tagore and Gautam Buddha. We will be the last ones to talk about war. But this time, when our government engages in dialogue with Pakistan, I want the government — and I request all Indians — to agree with me that *our approach should be that we talk about reclaiming PoK, where terror attacks were planned and terror infrastructure operated to inflict bloodshed and harm on Indians.* *Next time you visit India, my humble appeal to all of you is this: extend your trip by three more days. In those additional three days, make sure you and your family dedicate that time to visiting Kashmir, for the betterment of Kashmir tourism and the Indian economy.* Banerjee concluded. UNI PC SSP
