May 31, 2018
Beginning of the end for BJP: Mamata Banerjee on bypoll results
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today addressed the press regarding the results of bypolls in various States.
Highlights of her speech:
JMM won in Jharkhand, RJD won in Bihar. Congress won wherever it is in power, and gained a seat in Meghalaya. In Maharashtra, Shiv Sena lost by a small margin because of division of votes. In UP, BJP lost because of the alliance between SP and BSP.
In Maheshtala (Bengal) it was a three-cornered fight between Trinamool, BJP and CPI(M). I want to thank the people for their love and support. We got more votes than BJP and CPI(M) combined. This is a victory of the people. In 2016, we had won by a margin of 12,000 votes. This time the margin was over 62,000. Without the spontaneous support from the people, this result would not have been possible.
A lot of canards were spread regarding Panchayat polls. But this time central forces outnumbered even the voters. At some places even bunkers were constructed, as if it is a war zone. People have given a fitting reply to the smear campaign.
The strongest parties have won in their respective States. This is the formula. People have rejected the communal forces. It clear what people want. This is a signal before Lok Sabha elections. Death knell for the BJP has been sounded.
Divisive politics may reap dividends for the time being, but they harm the society in the long run. I do not endorse divisive agenda. We all have to live together in harmony. This is the spirit of India. We believe in unity in diversity.
They could not defeat RJD even after jailing Lalu Prasad Yadav. A wounded tiger is more ferocious. In Bengal, people have reposed their trust in Trinamool, we have received more votes than other parties. That is why ought to fight the BJP.
The bypoll results are a lesson for all parties – be it regional or the party in power in many States.
There must be 1:1 fight. Alliances must be formed if necessary, this is the formula. And it has worked.
People are sick and tired of the government. After increasing the fuel prices for 16 days, they reduced the prices by one paise. This is a mockery and insult. One cannot control everything using by force.
Uttar Pradesh will play a crucial role in the future. If Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati Ji, Ajit Singh Ji come together, they can reverse the 2014 figures.
Lok Sabha elections might happen anytime – in five or six months, after winter session or next year. We have to be prepared.
Regional parties are very strong. TDP is strong in Andhra. DMK is strong in Tamil Nadu. Shiv Sena and NCP are a factor in Maharashtra. The beginning of the end (of BJP) has started from Uttar Pradesh.
There are attempts to undermine the Constitution. But our democracy is strong. No one must try to cross their limits. Whisper campaign and conspiracies may work at times, but fake news will not always win.
