TMC Dubs BJP's Bengal Manifesto a 'Copycat' Document
In a scathing critique, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday labeled the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Sankalp Patra for Bengal as a "copycat" manifesto, accusing the saffron party of failing to deliver on its past promises. The attack was led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee during rallies in the state.
Mamata Banerjee Questions Modi's Unfulfilled Vows
At a rally in Basirhat, CM Mamata Banerjee directly challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's longstanding pledges. She asked, "How many people have received the Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts that PM Modi promised 12 years ago? Did anyone get it? Has BJP forgotten this promise?" She further highlighted other unmet commitments, including the promise of 2 crore jobs per year and the resolution of black money issues post-demonetization.
Banerjee criticized the rising costs of essential commodities, stating, "What is the cost of LPG, petrol, and diesel? Inflation is skyrocketing. Only the value of human life has reduced." She accused the BJP of making "tall promises but delivering nothing," and emphasized TMC's commitment to women's welfare through schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar, which she said would continue for life in Bengal.
Allegations of Fund Blocking and Electoral Malpractices
The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP has blocked funds owed to Bengal, amounting to Rs 2 lakh crore, and accused the party of spreading lies and engaging in electoral malpractices. "They have deleted names of legitimate voters. They want to implement NRC. They want to incite riots. They have deprived Bengal in every possible way," she said, urging voters not to support the BJP.
Abhishek Banerjee Compares BJP Promises to 'Chit Funds'
Abhishek Banerjee echoed these sentiments, likening BJP's promises to "chit funds" that hold no value. He defended the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, questioning, "Are you trying to buy the dignity of Bengal's mothers with money? Do you think their honour and respect can be bought for Rs 3,000?" He criticized the BJP for not respecting the federal structure, particularly in cases where central agencies like ED and CBI conduct searches without informing state police.
Response to Amit Shah's Comments on Infiltrators
Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about infiltrators in Bengal, Abhishek Banerjee posed pointed questions. "What is Sheikh Hasina doing in Delhi for a year and a half? Why has the Modi government given her refuge? To save which industrialist? Is Hasina an infiltrator or a refugee, can Amit Shah answer?" he asked, challenging Shah's narrative.
Concerns Over Uniform Civil Code and Durga Puja Notices
On Shah's promise to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Bengal if BJP comes to power, Abhishek warned that Scheduled Tribes would be most affected. "BJP wants to impose changes forcefully. It does not want to bring about positive changes," he said. He also reminded the BJP of its actions against Durga Puja committees, noting that income-tax notices have been issued and raids conducted by central agencies on organizers, despite BJP's plans for a female police squad named after Goddess Durga.
TMC Spokesperson Highlights Policy Adoption
Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh criticized BJP's cash-assistance promises, stating, "What Mamata Banerjee thinks today, the rest of India and BJP think tomorrow or even five years later." He pointed out that BJP-ruled states have adopted TMC's schemes after initially criticizing them. "Why would people accept these copycats, these photocopies? People have the original development of Mamata Banerjee," he concluded.
