Siliguri (West Bengal): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took aim at the BJP during an election rally in Siliguri on Wednesday. She alleged that the BJP—having failed to conquer Bengal—is now conspiring to carve up the state and create a separate entity. Furthermore, issuing a bold challenge, the Chief Minister declared that once she has secured Bengal, her next objective will be to capture Delhi.
Chief Minister Mamata kicked off her election campaign for the day from North Bengal. She alleged that the BJP is attempting to use North Bengal as a political weapon in its bid to seize control of the state.
She stated, “Significant changes have taken place in Siliguri, Dabgram-Fulbari, and Jalpaiguri. A major drinking water project is currently underway for Siliguri. We have pledged in our manifesto that, should we return to power, we will establish several new municipalities. Dabgram-Fulbari has a similar demand; if we are voted back into power, we will certainly address this. What has the incumbent MLA done for this region? Absolutely nothing—save for hurling abuses. Remember this: if the BJP comes to power, they will shut down every single welfare project.”
The TMC supremo added, “We have reopened all the tea gardens; the BJP hasn’t managed to reopen a single one. We previously launched the ‘Duare Sarkar’ (Government at Your Doorstep) initiative, and now we are set to launch ‘Duare Swasthya’ (Healthcare at Your Doorstep). Because they have failed to conquer Bengal, the BJP is now attempting to create a separate state by merging four districts of Bihar with North Bengal. As long as I draw breath, I will never allow such a partition to take place. They have utterly failed to accomplish a single constructive task. They ought to put a noose around their necks and drown themselves in shame. They are even refusing to release funds due to Bengal.” Taking aim at the Election Commission, Mamata Banerjee stated, “The Election Commission is working on behalf of the BJP. This time, they began by transferring all my officials. This makes no difference to me. My strength lies in my people. Remember: a wounded tiger is even more ferocious. This time, we will capture Bengal; next time, we will capture Delhi. The Central Forces are roaming around openly displaying the BJP’s symbol.”
Addressing the common people, she said, “I have no worries. You are my warriors. You must stand guard until the election process is complete. If necessary, stand guard while subsisting on *Panta Bhat* (fermented rice). People of Dabgram-Phulbari—think afresh. Make a new beginning.”
