December 20, 2018
Where was BJP when Maoists made Jangalmahal their killing fields: Abhishek Banerjee at Purulia
National President of Trinamool Youth Congress, and MP, Abhishek Banerjee today addressed a rally at Raghunathpur in Purulia.
Highlights of his speech:
Today’s turnout proves that Purulia will have a huge presence at Brigade on January 19. The spontaneity and love that we are receiving from you, we will be forever indebted to you. I thank all my party workers and supporters who have travelled a long way to come to this rally today.
Six months ago, the BJP was saying that Trinamool is losing ground in Purulia. Balarampur, which they were portraying as their victory, is now with Trinamool. Despite the threats and tall talks by Amit Shah, Dilip Ghosh and other BJP functionaries, Trinamool now controls the Panchayat Samiti in Balarampur.
Those who won a few seats here and there are planning to stoke violence in Purulia, I am warning them – do not play with fire. If you think you can divide Trinamool and divide votes, we will defeat you democratically in the future.
I challenge them to fight against us based on facts. Compare what Mamata Banerjee has done in five years versus what you have done in five years at Centre.
In 2014 they said, ‘acche din aane wale hain’. The gas balloon has been punctured. They promised 2 crore jobs, 15 lakhs in every bank account and what not. What did they deliver? Nothing. Has Narendra Modi constructed a single road or hospital in Purulia? Has he given any allowance to unemployed youths? Have they constructed a single house? Did they provide electricity or Kisan Credit Cards? No. All this has been done by the State Government.
We had said we will establish peace in Jangalmahal. We have done that. We had promised we will solve the problem of drinking water supply. That has been taken care of. A new scheme has already been launched, which will benefit 16 lakh people, irrespective of any discrimination. Mamata Banerjee always fulfills her promises.
Today we have gathered here for the preparation of upcoming rally at Brigade Parade Grounds on January 19. The Brigade rally is being organised to give a call to oust the communal BJP out of power at Centre. Leaders of several Opposition parties will be present at the Brigade rally to strengthen Mamata Banerjee’s stand against the Centre. Several Chief Ministers will be present.
BJP is saying their target is Bangla. Our target is Lal Quila (Red Fort in Delhi). Let them do whatever they want. We will pull the rug from under their feet. Those who seek to divide Hindus and Muslims, and gain politically by practising communal politics, will have to face our resistance. We will lay down our lives but won’t allow division.
You all know the drubbing BJP received in the three States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. BJP claims to be the flag-bearers of Hinduism. 92% voters in Chhattisgarh are Hindus. 94% of the voters in Madhya Pradesh are Hindus. 91.7% voters in Rajasthan are Hindus. But people rejected BJP in these States.
I had said, Du hajar unish, BJP finish. But Narendra Modi and Amit Shah’s party has fizzled out in 2018 itself.
They are trying to ignite tension. They are not talking of development. They do not care about providing services. Democracy and progress are not their concern. They only care about ‘Jai Shree Ram’.
Our leader has said we believe in ‘bodla noy bodol chai’ (we believe in change not revenge). We always support constructive politics, not destructive politics. BJP should not mistake our courtesy as our weakness.
I am warning the BJP again. Fight us politically. You only practice politics of violence. Compete with us on the plank of development, if you can. People will give you a befitting reply.
They have started the politics of bloodshed in Purulia. Only a few days ago one teacher was killed in this district. If any more of our workers are killed in Purulia, we will gherao BJP district president’s house in Purulia. I will also come from Kolkata. They are a bunch of cowards.
They have brought a luxury AC bus from Delhi. Donkeys are being portrayed as horses. We have heard of Rath Yatra of Shri Jagannath or Shri Krishna. But in the name of rath, communal asuras of Bangla will be rising a luxury bus. People of Bangla can see through this facade.
They are talking about saving democracy? When democracy was actual under threat in Jangalmahal, where was Dilip Ghosh? When people were killed by Maoists in Purulia, where was the BJP? Where was their love for the motherland and nationalism?
The roads they use to come to Jangalmahal has been built by Mamata Banerjee. The stadiums where they organise their rallies have been renovated by Mamata Banerjee. The walls of the houses where they paint the lotus, have been constructed by Mamata Banerjee. The hospitals where they threaten to send our workers to have been set up by Mamata Banerjee.
Had democracy not existed in Bangla, would BJP have been able to win any seat in Purulia? Democracy exists; that is why people voted spontaneously. They have strengthened Mamata Banerjee and her developmental initiatives by voting in her favour.
BJP indulges in such big talk. Just see what is happening in our neighbouring state of Jharkhand. A police officer was killed by Maoists in Pakur. But no one can point to any incident of violence in Jangalmahal in the last seven years. Earlier, the administration was as good as non-existent in these region. Things have changed now. There was an atmosphere of fear. But today, women are also attending this rally without fear.
We will not surrender. We will live with our heads held high. We will carry the flags of Trinamool. BJP will be left with nothing.
