Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the state government of curbing democratic rights, alleging that her party was being denied permission to hold political programmes while other parties were allowed to organise events.
Claims constitutional rights being denied today
Addressing supporters virtually from Kalighat, Banerjee claimed that she was being forced to seek court intervention to conduct democratic activities, calling it a violation of constitutional rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19 and 21. She alleged that thousands of false cases had been filed against party workers and ordinary citizens and claimed that panchayats, municipalities and other local bodies were being taken over through pressure.
Raises Netaji insult, democratic concerns strongly
A significant part of her address focused on alleged remarks made by BJP leaders about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Banerjee said she was “deeply hurt” by what she described as disrespect towards the freedom fighter, calling it an insult not only to Bengal but to the entire country. She urged students, youth, women and cultural organisations to protest against any attempt to undermine Netaji’s legacy peacefully.
Appeals youth for peaceful constitutional protests
She also questioned the status of promises to disclose files related to Netaji’s disappearance and alleged that the legacies of Netaji and Rabindranath Tagore were being ignored.
Banerjee further alleged that investigative agencies and sections of the administration were being used to intimidate opposition leaders and elected representatives. She claimed that young protesters were being branded “anti national” and appealed to them not to lose faith in democracy.
Welfare, jobs become key campaign issues
The Trinamool Congress leader also raised concerns over unemployment, welfare benefits and social security schemes. She claimed that nearly one crore people had lost jobs and alleged that several women had been excluded from welfare programmes and pension benefits.
Referring to the death of an ASHA worker, Banerjee said she would send a party delegation to meet the bereaved family, adding that she wished to visit personally but was allegedly being prevented from travelling.
Promises continued fight for democracy, unity
She also alleged harassment of sanitation workers and accused the government of suppressing dissent while claiming to fight corruption.
Concluding her address, Banerjee appealed for unity and communal harmony, saying India should uphold the ideals of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the country’s freedom fighters. She said her party would continue its democratic movement and urged citizens to defend constitutional values through peaceful means.
