July 21, 2019
Ballots instead of EVMs – Trinamool leaders’ demand at 21 July Shahid Dibas rally
From the stage of the July 21 Shahid Dibas rally, senior leaders of Trinamool Congress gave clarion calls to take strong measures to unseat the BJP from power.
Given below are the gists of what the Trinamool leaders spoke.
Subrata Bakshi: I firmly believe that the movement started by Mamata Banerjee 26 years ago for the issue of photo identity cards for the people of India will continue to be the inspiration of thousands and thousands of people. Under her leadership, we will now fight against the Government of India and convince the Election Commission for polling with ballot papers. I welcome (all mark) the start of this historic rally.
Sukumar Hansda: The whole of Bengal, including Jangalmahal, has been blessed by the developmental wave brought about by Mamata Banerjee. We have been tirelessly working on the development of Jangalmahal, which has always stood beside Mamata Banerjee, and it will continue to do so.
Firhad Hakim:While Bengal has gained freedom, India is in the process of losing its independence. India is being sold off. Achhey Din will never come as the economy of the nation is in tatters. On this day, I once gain stand beside Mamata Banerjee to protect the culture of Bengal.
Seuli Saha: People from the scheduled tribes have gained their rights after Mamata Banerjee came to power. The first SC and ST Committees in India was formed in Bengal. Bengal Government has always been with the people, whereas in other parts of India, people are lynched for being Dalit.
Abhishek Banerjee: In 1993, the protest movement was about ‘No Identity Card, No Vote’; in 2019, our slogan is ‘Bring back democracy, bring back Ballot, not machines’. Many thought that today’s rally will lack participation. But if you look in front of the stage, the only thing you will see is heads of people. In the 2021 election, Trinamool will come to power winning 250 seats. The third Trinamool Government will be formed under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. We had driven out the CPIM from Bengal. Now, we will drive out the BJP. Be prepared. Trinamool will show you the end of this fight.
Suvendu Adhikari: We have to fight against the cultural change that is being imposed on Bengal. I want to see Trinamool workers taking up the challenge and return to the path of development. BJP leaders have no idea about the culture of Bengal. In 2018, they showed an image of Ma Kali and chanted “Joi Ma Durga”. They say that the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore is in Birbhum. They vandalise statue of Vidyasagar. Wherever poling has been done using ballot papers, BJP lost. Therefore, we want ballots, not EVMs.
