November 26, 2015
No one can dictate to people what to wear or eat: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress Chairperson Ms Mamata Banerjee today expressed her concern over the rising incidents of intolerance in the country. She demanded to know from the party in power at the Centre how they can dictate to people what they can wear or eat.
Speaking of brotherhood and communal harmony at an event in Shahid Minar, WB CM said, “The Preamble of the Constitution states India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. The Constitution champions the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, unity and integrity of the nation.”
Condemning all forms of terrorism, she said that terrorists have no religion and it would be wrong to brand certain communities as terrorists.
Slamming her detractors who were questioning why she was attending this event, she said that questions are not raised when attends functions of Ramakrishna Mission or Bharat Sevasram Sangha.
“I visit church on Christmas and also functions of Bharat Sevasram Sangha. I attend Guru Nanak’s birthday celebrations. Why cannot I attend a Muslim event?,” she remarked.
Highlighting the work done by her government for the development of minorities, WB CM said:
- I had made a commitment of giving second language status to Urdu. We did that.
- We have introduced reservation for minorities under the ambit of law without touching the general caste by increasing infrastructure.
- Left Front gave scholarships to 4 lakh students in their last 4 yrs. We have given scholarships to 83 lakh students, highest in India.
- The budget allotment for minority development during Left Front rule was Rs 400 Cr. We increased it to Rs 2400 Cr.
- 115 hostels have been set up for students. A new campus of Aliah University is coming up.
- 132 Karma Tirtha marketing hubs are coming up where our youth can set up shops.
- We are giving cycles to over 40 lakh students irrespective of caste, creed, gender or religion.
She also slammed the Centre for the rising intolerance in the country. “On one hand they celebrate Constitution Day and on the other they profile people based on religion. This is unacceptable,” she said.
“Aamir Khan has said what he felt as an Indian. Who are you to tell him to leave the country? It belongs to everyone,” she added.
Mamata Banerjee said the Centre may unleash the CBI against her for attacking them, but her fight will continue as she does not fear death.
