Author: AITC

Trinamool Chairperson addressed two rallies in Howrah district today in support of the party candidate Prasun Banerjee. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in a by-election after the tragic demise of Ambica Banerjee. Trinamool Chairperson today slammed the Opposition for their malicious campaigns against the Government and said that people will give a fitting reply to them through ballots. She also highlighted the developmental work done by her Government for Howrah. Trinamool Chairperson mentioned that it was Trinamool led West Bengal Government that decided to shift the Secretariat from Writers` Building to Nabanna in Howrah.

Excerpts from the Chairperson`s speech:

My dear brothers and sisters of Howrah, thank you for waiting so patiently in this heat. I wish you all Shubho Noboborsho. For the last one and half years, we have been campaigning in every district, despite the heat wave. Our only aim is to connect to people. The weather is becoming worse by the day. The temperature is rising. So, we have brought summer vacations forward. Elections are not in our hands. We have to fight elections in the scorching heat.

After Ambika Da`s tragic death, you elected Prasun as MP. We are thankful to you. Howrah is the second biggest city in Bengal after Kolkata. It was neglected for decades. We have put in our best efforts to solve the drinking water problems. We have taken the historic decision to shift the Secretariat to Nabanna in Howrah. We prepared the infrastructure in Nabanna in record 3 months. We have beautified the eastern gateway to Kolkata around the airport. I have instructed the newly elected Mayor of Howrah to expedite developmental work.

 The previous Government got 34 years to work for the people. They failed to deliver. We allotted Rs 100 crore for the development of Howrah. We have to build the infrastructure for the development of Howrah. Underground drainage system and supply of drinking water are the biggest areas to work on in this district.

Howrah is a cosmopolitan city. People of all caste, creed, religion live here peacefully. We do not believe in divisive politics. We do not discriminate based on language or religion. Bengal`s culture is pluralistic. Bengal led the nation`s struggle for freedom. Some parties indulge in divisive politics just before elections. Just before elections, the BJP starts profiling people as Bengalis and Non-Bengalis. They target people from Bihar and UP. We love Hindus as well as Muslims. We love Bengalis and non Bengalis.

A leader who does not respect his own wife, cannot respect the nation. I am dedicated towards working for the downtrodden. I work for the poor. True progress means upliftment of the backward sections of the society. Despite the financial crunch, we are providing rice at Rs 2/kilo to 3.2 crore people. Despite the fund crunch we have spent Rs 5500 crore for 100-Days work scheme. Gujarat spent only Rs 500 crore. In two and half years, we have built toilets in 92% schools in the State. We started Nirmal village project.

 A certain leader is only beating his own trumpet about development, with the help of few media houses. A hot air balloon of development has been created by a leader. It will burst soon. We have started Kanyashree scheme for the empowerment of girls. Infant mortality rate in Bengal is 31 out of 1000 children. In Gujarat it is 42. There were only 6 SNSUs in Bengal. We set up 36 more. We opened more than 200 new SNCUs.

People of Bengal are poor. Most of them belong to unorganized sector. In Delhi you get fish curry and rice for Rs 200. But in Bengal it costs only Rs 20. Small roadside shops of Bengal are much better than the luxurious malls elsewhere. People who have never lived in Bengal, who do not know the State`s history are now lecturing us.

The leader of the nation should be inclusive, someone who loves and respects everyone. A leader must be like Gandhiji or Netaji. They united everyone. People who have the stain of riots on their hands can never become the leader of the nation. Congress is responsible for the pitiable condition India is in. When we were in Congress, we were always sidelined because we protested. Finally we formed Trinamool.

CPI(M)-Congress-BJP are playing a got-up match. Congress and BJP came together to create Telangana. They didn`t allow our demand of Division of votes in Parliament.

Some people start talking about chit funds as soon as elections approach. Chit funds first surfaced in Bengal in 1980. Who was in power then? Who had the Government at the Centre when these chit funds were created? Either Congress or BJP. State Govt has no power to act against chit funds. The Centre has been sitting on our Bill against chit funds. We don`t need money from chit funds to run our party. If someone from my party has links with chit funds, I will take action.

The Centre is taking away a major share of our revenue income. How will we carry on with the developmental work? The higher the growth in our revenue collection, the greater amount of money the Centre took away. We have allotted Rs 1000 crore for Kanyashree and Yuvashree schemes. How will we pay salaries? How will we build schools, college, roads, and hospitals? We have been harassed by the Centre for 3 years. But they cannot intimidate me. Despite all the hardship, we have been able to take Bengal forward.

The BJP wanted to divide Bengal. They wanted to separate Darjeeling. We will never allow that. Everyone in Bengal lives in harmony. We celebrate Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Eid as well as Chhat Puja. CPI(M) is banking on Congress and BJP to cut votes so that they can win. CPI(M) turned Bengal into a graveyard during its 34 years of rule.

CPI(M) raises fingers at us over chit funds. Their own mouthpiece published ads from Saradha. Some people want CBI investigation. Earlier I respected CBI. Not anymore. CBI is Congress Bureau of Investigation. Rabindranath`s Nobel prize was stolen from Santiniketan. CBI has failed to retrieve it. CBI has failed to complete investigation in Nandigram case, Netai carnage, Gyaneshwari accident. CBI has failed to provide justice in Tapasi Malik rape and murder case.

We got Sudipta Sen arrested from Kashmir. We formed a Judicial Commission to return money to investors. We framed a law to take action against chit funds. They sent it back with a few changes. We made changes and sent the Bill back to Union Govt. They are sitting over it. Centre should answer why prices of all essential commodities are increasing. People will answer the malicious campaign of the Opposition through ballots. We will not Centre to interfere in the affairs of the State.

We have not forgotten how Left chopped off the wrists of a person for voting for Congress at Amta. The Left does not want Bengal to progress. They do not want peace. The Left filled its coffers at the cost of the people of Bengal. The Opposition has no other work except attending panel discussions on TV studios. Certain sections of the media have become His Master`s Voice. They parrot what parties want them to say. This is political vendetta. Nothing else. As long as I live, I will work for the people. Their pressure tactics will not work on me.

Jangalmahal is smiling now. Maoist violence has completely stopped. It is a national model now. Fair price medicine shops are now a national model. We have implemented all recommendations of the Sachar Committee.

 In the last 66 years there were only 38 colleges in Bengal. Now we have started 31 colleges. In 34 years, the Left set up only 1 university. We have set up 8 new universities in two and half years. We are setting up multi super specialty hospitals and 50 fair price diagnostic centres. People can now afford costly treatments at a low price. Health services are provided at a low cost. We hold a meeting of the task force to control prices of vegetables every week. Bengal is fairing better than Gujarat and other states in several sectors. But our good work is ignored.

As Railway Minister I initiated so many projects. After we left UPA, all the projects have been stopped. BJP wants to divide Bengal. CPI(M) has destroyed Bengal. Congress has neglected Bengal. Congress-BJP-CPI(M). They are all the same. Shame shame.

Bless us with your votes. We will usher in a surge of development. We will establish Trinamool as a National Party. If Congress and BJP come together, they will sell off Bengal like they did for Andhra. Some people are saying, BJP is spending Rs 5000 crore on advertisement alone. Where are they getting the money? I was in NDA because I respected Atal ji. I do not respect the current leaders of the party.

Our party is of the people, for the people and by the people. We work for Ma, Mati, Manush. My struggle is for building a better future for the youth of Bengal. This is the fight to safeguard Bengal`s honour at Centre.

We have to claim our right. We are not alone. We are fighting these elections with the people of Bengal as our allies.

Trinamool Chairperson addressed a rally at Sonarpur today, in support of the party’s candidate in Jadavpur constituency, Dr Sugata Bose. She talked at length about the development initiatives taken by the Government and slammed the Opposition for their malicious campaigns.

Excerpts from the Chairperson`s speech:

The first time I contested for the Lok Sabha elections in 1984, it was from this Jadavpur constituency. Sonarpur was a part of it. This place is like my mother. I can forget everything but this place. I have special attachment to this place. Sonarpur was always neglected and under-developed. As an MP I have worked hard for the people here and developed this place. Sonarpur is situated in the suburbs of Kolkata. How can this region be under-developed?

The person who was elected from Jadavpur in 2009 did not work for the people after polls. Krishna Bose has been an MP from Jadavpur for a long time. We thought Sugata Bose would be ideal for this seat.

This time we have given tickets to a lot of young people. They will build a new generation of politicians. About 8-10 Trinamool candidates are aged less than 40 years. We have created a generation of politicians who will serve for the next 20 years. Politics does not mean serving yourself. Politics means dedicating yourself to the people.

We have struggled against the reign of terror under Left regime. The CPI(M) has once again started the politics of violence. Two Trinamool workers have been killed in the last two days at Manikchawk and Bardhaman. Ensure that these Lok Sabha elections put an end to political violence. We had stopped political clash completely but now some people are instigating violence again.

The CPI(M) is devoid of ideology. They have forgotten all their principles. They destroyed the economy of Bengal. They left power after incurring a debt of Rs 2 lakh crore. Congress and BJP led governments at the Centre allowed the CPI(M) to incur debts. Now CPI(M)-Congress-BJP have formed an understanding to cut votes.

We raised the slogan bodla noy, bodol chai even after the Left killed 55000 people in 34 years. Our polling agents were killed in the past. Our workers were beaten to death for wall-painting. Now they give us gyan on fair polls. How many schools and colleges did the Left build? What work have they done in 34 years? They have lost the trust of people. So, now they appear only on AC TV studios, spreading malicious lies.

We kept increasing our revenue collection. And the Centre took away major share of our revenue. Centre says they cannot give us any funds. As if they are giving us alms. Where will funds for development come from? How will I pay the salaries of Government employees and teachers?

We are No. 1 in 100-Days Work Scheme. In 34 years the Left set up only 2 universities. We have set up 8 in two and half years. In 34 years the Left built only 6 colleges. We have set up 31 government colleges and 14 private colleges. We increased our capital expenditure by 48%. This is huge development.

Some media houses only talk about Gujarat model. They refuse to see the development happening in Bengal. The Centre is using various agencies against Bengal. The media houses are also acting at Delhi`s behest. Chit funds started in Bengal in 1980. Who ruled Bengal till 2011? Why have they woken up to chit funds now.

Prevention of chit funds is not under the power of States. The Union Govt is responsible. Why did the Centre/RBI/ED not act against chit funds earlier? Why are they proactive just before elections? Sections of the media only report what is said against us. They never report our side of the story. We have always maintained chit funds must be banned. Why has the Centre not acted?

We have been in power only for two and half years. Saradha was founded in 2006. What was the previous Govt doing? We got Sudipta Sen arrested. We formed a Commission to return the money to duped investors. Some people are demanding CBI enquiry for Saradha scam. What is CBI`s track record of pending cases? What has the CBI done in Nandigram case? What have they done in Netai case, Tapasi Malik`s rape and murder? Has the CBI been able to retrieve Rabindranath`s stolen Nobel? It was the biggest blot on Bengal. CBI failed to solve the case.

Media houses published ads of chit fund companies in their papers. When they got money, it became holy? The former CM of West Bengal attended extensive photo sessions with chit fund owners. Now he is preaching us.

Bengal`s fair price medicine shops are national models now. Jangalmahal is a model in combating Maoist violence. We are building multi super speciality hospitals, ITIs, polytechnic colleges all over the state. We have started Kanyashree scheme for girls. 9 lakh girls have already got the benefits. We are setting up a medical college and hospital at Bhangar. We are starting fair price diagnostic shops now. Poor people now get medicines for free at rural hospitals.

Sixty six years after independence, Bengal had only 1400 medical seats. We increased it to 2700. We have set up 88 fast-track courts, 26 women`s police stations. We have distributed 2 lakh land pattas in two and half years. Left distributed only 12000 land pattas. We are going to set up marketing hubs across the State. Many people will get employment.

We have worked for all irrespective of caste, creed, religion, gender. We have taken up Nija Griha Nija Bhoomi scheme. Everyone will have a home in the next few years. We had set a target of creating 50000 ponds in five years for Jal Dharo Jal Bharo scheme. We already created one lakh ponds. I visited Darjeeling over 40 times in the past. Peace is prevailing there. But some parties want to divide the State. Congress-CPI(M)-BJP are playing a got-up match.

We will provide the alternative in national politics in the future. We will emerge as the third largest party. I urge you all to vote in large numbers for Trinamool in Jadavpur and across Bengal.

Trinamool Chairperson today addressed a campaign rally at Uluberia where she highlighted the development initiatives taken by the West Bengal Government. She urged people to vote for Trinamool to continue the surge of development. The Chairperson added that few political parties are trying to instigate riots in the State for political benefits. She gave out a strong message of communal harmony.

Excerpts from the Chairperson`s speech:

I thank you all patiently waiting to listen to me despite the scorching heat. Before coming here, I was at Tarakeshwar and Jagatballavpur. Elections are always held in summer. It is very painful for both the workers and voters. I hope you all stay safe and healthy during summer. Drink lots of water. Avoid junk food.

I am thankful to the people of Howrah believing in us in 2009 and 2011 when Poriborton began. Our MP from Uluberia, Sultan Ahmed, was also a minister. But he resigned when Centre allowed FDI in retail. From the price of fertilizers to the price of cooking gas, petrol and diesel, Centre increased the price of everything. None of the political parties protested; we were the only one to stand up and raise our voice against the injustice done to the common people. We will continue to voice our protest in the future too. Trinamool congress will never lower its head towards anybody.

The Left has forgotten their ideology. They have forgotten Marx, Lenin and Stalin. Trinamool has only one ideology – benefit of the Ma, Mati, Manush. We are of the people, by the people, for the people. Some parties visit Bengal only during elections, just like seasonal migratory birds. The Opposition only engages in malicious campaign. They have done no positive work. The CPI(M)-BJP-Congress are all the same.

In the last two and half years, we have recruited 40,000 police constables, set up 19 women`s courts, 26 women`s police stations. We have set up 5 police commissionerates to improve law and order. 45 courts for women are being set up. 1.3 lakh civic police has been recruited.

We could have done much more but a major part of our revenue is taken away by Centre. We have increased our revenue collection in the last 3 years. But the Centre took away most of our money. Where will the money for building schools, roads and other infrastructure come from? How will we pay salaries of Government employees? We don`t want any package from Centre. We just want them to stop taking away our revenue. Had the Centre not taken away our money, we could have generated 20 lakh more employment opportunities.

Both the Congress and BJP led Govt at Centre allowed the Left to incur debts. Now we are paying for their sins. The Left were famous for their reign of terror. We all remember their violent methods of ruling. Earlier women were not even free to lodge an FIR at police stations. Even family issues were resolved at CPI(M)`s party office.

We have given 50% reservation to women in Panchayats. We have started Kanyashree scheme for girls. Even UNICEF has endorsed our Kanyashree scheme. We are No. 1 in generation of employment under 100-Days Work scheme. Our capital expenditure has increased by 48% and plan expenditure by 35%. This is a sign of development. We spent Rs 5500 crore for employment generation in 100-Days scheme. Gujarat spent only Rs 500 crore. Some media houses are acting at the behest of the BJP. They are not highlighting our development initiatives.

We are against riots. In 1993 I was on the streets on Kolkata, helping riot victims. Where was the CM then? People who instigate riots are neither Hindus nor Muslims. They are opportunistic goons. We celebrate Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Chhat Puja, Eid, and Christmas. We believe in communal harmony. Some people wear lungis. Some wear dhoti. While some wear suits. We love all. We do not discriminate. Some political leaders want to instigate riots and divide people so that they can gain votes. Bengal is the land of communal harmony. We respect all religions, languages and cultures.

Bengal used to lag behind in every field. We have turned Bengal around. Out of 100 works done by us, the media ignores 99 good works and hypes one or two minor mistakes.

Jangalmahal is smiling. Darjeeling is smiling. We have set up fair price medicine shop. The Left set up only 3 colleges in its tenure. We set up 31 new colleges. Some political leaders have no other work except criticizing us on TV studios. I do not mind that. I work on the ground with people. Every mother in every household across Bengal is like my mother. People are my strength. I have faith in the youth of Bengal. They will transform Bengal into Biswa Bangla.

We want a non-Congress and non-BJP alternative. Not a Third Front. Do not vote for Congress, CPI(M) or BJP. Vote for progress. Vote for joraphool.

Braving the scorching summer heat, Trinamool Chairperson addressed three rallies today. AT the first rally held at Tarakeshwar the Chairperson gave a strong message of communal harmony. She also spoke at length about the development initiatives by the State. Ms. Banerjee also slammed the Left for their double standards on chit fund scam. Didi reiterated that her party maintains transparency and works for the people.

Excerpts from the Chairperson`s speech:

Tarakeswar is a holy place where the temple of Lord Shiva is located. People from across the country come here to seek blessings of Baba Bholenath. Tarakeshwar is located at the junction of Arambagh, Singur and Haripal. On one side is the Hooghly parliamentary constituency and on the other side is the Arambagh constituency. The holy Furfura Sharif and Bandel Church are also nearby. I want to send out a message of communal harmony from this holy land of Tarakeshwar. Our motto is Sarva Dharma Samanyay.

The scorching heat is becoming unbearable. But the farmers are braving the heat to work in the fields. I salute my farmers, the youth and the women of Bengal. For 34 years, Left used muscle power and violence as means to stay in power. People are still waiting for justice in Netai, Nandigram and Singur. Tapasi Malik was raped and set on fire in Singur. The CPI(M) blamed her father. They can do anything.

Birds of a feather flock together. CPI(M)-BJP-Congress are same.  CPI(M) has forgotten Marx, Lenin and Stalin. They have forgotten Vietnam. They have forgotten communism. Their political ideologies have ceased to exist. The CM of Tripura does not allow free and fair polls in his own State, and he says a lot of things about Bengal. Where were the Congress and BJP when people were living under terror under the Left?

I believe that everyone staying in Bengal is equal. We do not discriminate based on caste, religion or language. Now that Bengal is progressing, everyone is jealous. They are continuously criticizing us on TV. The Left Front was the biggest beneficiary of the Saradha scam. Let there be an investigation into the election funding of the Left`s Finance Minister. Who was in power when Sanchayita scam happened? Who ruled Bengal in 2006 when Saradha was founded?

We do not play got-up matches. We believe in transparency. We set up judicial commission against Saradha, we gave money back to the people. When Left was in power, the Opposition was mercilessly killed during polls. Now political violence has come down in Bengal. Jangalmahal is smiling. Darjeeling is smiling. Political killings have decreased in the State.

Several big states have elections in one day. But in Bengal, elections are happening for five days. The answer to all the malicious campaigns of the Opposition will be revealed on May 16 when ballot boxes are opened.

I dedicate the joraphool to the people. Ma, Mati, Manush will decide the fate of Trinamool. I have full faith on you. I am not pretentious. I am transparent about my emotions. I cannot put a false image for politics. We do not play fixed matches. Our actions speak for us. White will always be white and black will always be black.

We have distributed 28 lakh Kisan credit cards. We gave away 2 lakh land pattas. The Left set up only 3 universities in 34 years. We set up 8 in two and half years. We have set up 26 women`s police stations. We have formed 5 commissionerates. We are setting up ITIs and polytechnic colleges. We have set up 256 units for child health and 34 multi super speciality hospitals. We have started Kanyashree and Yuvashree. Bengal is No. 1 in 100-Days Work Scheme.

The Centre is depriving us of funds, yet we are working. The Left incurred debts and we have to suffer. The Centre is financially depriving us of funds. BJP wants to divide Bengal.

Be careful when you vote, Do not vote for Congress-BJP-CPI(M).