Trinamool to reach out to voters through `Didi Direct` and blogs by IIM interns

With all major political parties using the social media to woo voters, the Trinamool Congress is bolstering its Internet presence by introducing “Didi Direct” section on its website and getting IIM graduates to write blogs for the party to make the most of it.

“Didi Direct, a new section on the party website, will focus on all new stories and video content related to the campaign by chairperson Mamata Banerjee and highlight Didi`s campaign activities through the ongoing poll season,” party Rajya Sabha MP Derek O`Brien told reporters in Kolkata.

He said that of the 31 graduates who had applied for an internship programme with the Trinamool Congress, two have been selected to assist the digital team of the party.

“The interns will be writing 40 blogs to highlight the development work done by the West Bengal government in various sectors – from `Kanyasree` and `Jal dharo jal bharo` (save water store water) to maintenance of law and order in the Jangalmahal,” O`Brien said.

“A new customised mobile app has been developed to deliver all party-related news at the touch of a finger on mobiles, tablets etc,” he said adding that the mobile app comes in both Android and IOS versions and is compatible with 5000 devices.

The Trinamool Congress has been very active on social media with a strong presence on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube, O`Brien claimed and said “it is widely acknowledged that Trinamool is among the top three political parties in India to enjoy pride of place in the virtual world.”

He, however, explained that the social media was just one of the many modes of communication that the party relied on, saying that “Trinamool has a 360 degree approach to communication.”

“There are twelve 30 degree arcs, each equally important,” he said adding that from workers` meetings, door to door campaigning and chairperson`s meeting to direct media and social media, every arc was important to the party.


News source: PTI

1000 days at a glance: Achievements of the Public Works Department

The Public Works Department of the West Bengal Government has been working relentlessly to serve the people of Bengal. From roads to bridges, administrative buildings to educational institutes, the department has helped in the surge of development in Bengal.

Special achievements:

  • Upgradation of about 4,000 km of road to double lane or intermidiate lane.
  • Construction of 16 big bridges and 5 flyovers on railway tracks has been completed.
  • Historical steps like shifting of state`s secretariat to Nabanna at Howrah for renovation of Writers` Buildings has been taken and the work of this shifting has been done within 2 months. The renovation work of the Writers` Buildings keeping the historical heritage of the edifice, will commence soon.
  • The work for construction of bridge over the river Subarnarekha at Bhasaraghat in the district of Paschim Medinipur involving ` 170 crore is going on at rapid pace.
  • The construction work of flyover at VIP Road being 1.9 kilometre by length in between Kestopur and Joramandir for easy movement of Airport-bound traffic is going on.
  • In order to provide passengers` amenity the work is going on for 70 nos. of roadside passengers` Amenity Centre, Pathasathi and 82 nos of pay & use toilets accross the state. Besides, work for 18 nos. of pay & use toilets will begin soon.
  • A seven-storied Rheumatology Dept and a two-storied night shelter (for patient parties) have been constructed at SSKM hospital.
  • In order to enhance administrative transperancy, e-procurement and e-tendering have been introduced.
  • The West Bengal Highway Development Corporation Ltd. has been constituted for the development of all the highways accross the state.
  • WBHDCL has taken up the project of turning the 44 km stretch of Delhi Road (Dankuni- Mogra-Ishwar Gupta setu) into four lanes.
  • WBHDCL will also construct 3000 km road in PPP model.
  • Proposal for development of AH-2 (from Nepal to Bangladesh Corridoor) and AH-48 (from Bhutan to Bangladesh Corridor) under the SASEC (South-Asia Sub-regional Economic cooperation) with the assistance from ADB has been adopted.
  • Special project for the development of Jangalmahal:
  • The construction works of 12 new school buildings & hostels, one PTTI, 74 hostels for girls (with 50 seats each), 4 new colleges, 3 new stadia, 1 sports academy, 1 polytechnic, 2 ITIs & 1 SDC have been taken up.
  • Amongst these the construction of 48 new girls hostels (with 50 seats each) & I stadium have been completed.
  • Widening & strengthening of 210 km of road has been completed.

Development of Roads & Bridges:

  • A project has been taken up to build 160 roads and 11 bridges under BRGF. Out of total 2281 km of roads, 1163 km of roads and building of 2 bridges is complete.
  • 422 of projects out of 621 under state plan have been completed. Widening and development of 3503 km roads have also been done. 41 bridges out of proposed , have been completed. Besides, 87 projects for making 10 new bridges will start soon.
  • Construction of flyovers over railway-tracks of Dankuni, Barrackpore, Durgapur, Baruipur & Kharagpur IIT has been done.
  • Construction works of 46 more bridges are under progress.
  • WBHDCL has already started work on 4-lanes of Dankuni-Chandannagar portion of SH-13. Construction of Chandannaggar-Mogra portion will start soon. The works for widening of connecting road between STKK link road and SH-6 and building of 6-lane flyover at Mogra have also been taken up.

Schemes for development of health infrastructure:

  • Linear Accelerator Facility building has been constructed under Radiotherapy department at NRS Medical College & Hospital.
  • Two storied building of Uluberia sub-divisional hospital where Labour Room has been constructed on the ground floor and Neo Natal Unit has been constructed on the first floor.
  • Construction works of Trauma Centre and Orthopaedic centre are going on at SSKM & R.G. Kar Hospital.
  • Construction work of six storied building of Mental Hospital in Lumbini Park is going on.
  • Construction works of new Academic Building at IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital are going on.

Schemes for upliftment of Education:

  • Construction works of Govt. Engineering College and Leather Technology Building at Salt Lake have been completed.
  • Construction work of Annexe Building at Baker Govt. Hostel has been completed.
  • Construction work of Minorities Building & Meeting Hall for minorities & madrasah education in Hooghly district has been completed.
  • Work of Aliah University in Kolkata is going on.
  • Construction work of govt. sponsered Women University in Diamond Harbour is going on.
  • Construction work of Kazi Nazrul Islam University in Burdwan is going on.
  • Construction work of govt. sponsored university in Bankura is going on.

Trinamool`s 360 degrees of communication

National Spokesperson for Trinamool Congress, Derek O`Brien today launched the party`s mobile app that is available on Android and Apple platforms. During the launch, he talked about the various aspects of communicative tools the party is using to connect to the voters.

New blogs on development by IIM interns

Thirty-one graduate students from IIM, Calcutta had applied for an internship program with Trinamool. Of these, two have been selected to assist the digital team of the party which is run by volunteers. The interns will be writing 40 blogs to highlight the developmental work done by the West Bengal Government in various sectors – right from Kanyashree and Jal Dharo Jal Bharo to the maintenance of law and order in Jangalmahal.

New mobile app

A new customised mobile app has been developed to deliver all party-related news at the touch of a finger on mobiles, tablets, etc. Compatible with over 5000 devices, the mobile app comes in Android as well as Apple versions. Even if one is in a low-network zone, updates about the party may now be accessed through this mobile app.

Didi Direct

A new section on the party`s very popular official website www.AITCofficial.org will focus on all news stories and video content related to the campaign by the Chairperson and highlight Didi`s campaign activities through the ongoing poll season.

Social Media

Trinamool Congress has been very active on social media with a strong presence on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. From Breaking News to the latest videos – all information regarding the party continues to be disseminated regularly via the party`s official social media channels. It is widely acknowledged that Trinamool is among the top three political parties in India to enjoy pride of place in the virtual world.

Bengal model better than Gujarat – WB CM explains why

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee on April 5 used the medium of Facebook to refute Gujarat model as the ideal for the country. While doing so, she highlighted the fiscal and social parameters where Bengal has an edge over Gujarat. The Bengal CM thus claimed that the country should follow the Bengal model.

Ms. Banerjee has in her favour Planning Commission data that shows Bengal is ahead of Gujarat when compared in terms of infant mortality rate, maternal mortality ratio, school dropout rate (Class I to V) and household access to drinking water. Bengal is also ahead of Gujarat in terms of disbursement in the social sector. “We focused on providing our people food, housing, drinking water, access to education and reliable health care, among others. So you can see, we deliver what we commit, even if we are placed in a disadvantageous situation,” said WB CM.

The Bengal CM also held that her government has registered a faster revenue growth than Gujarat. “The revenue growth in Bengal has been 31.55%, when it is 15.77% in Gujarat,” the CM said.

She also blamed the previous Left Front government for fiscal woes. “Our new government in Bengal had started its journey in May 2011 with a staggering loan burden of more than Rs 2 lakh crore left behind by the previous regime. Any financial adversity of such magnitude puts a state under severe strain to carry forward its development agenda compared to any other state, not similarly placed in terms of loan burden,” said Ms. Banerjee.

Another major achievement that the Chief Minister touted as Bengal model is the restoration of peace and normalcy in the trouble-torn Maoist infested Jangalmahal areas and the hills of Darjeeling. “Our Jangalmahal approach has been accepted as a model in the country,” the CM said. She also said that her government has been able to bring down the loss of man-days from 78 lakhs in the previous Left regime to zero now.

Trinamool Chairperson asks people of Ranchi to vote for change

While campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections at Ranchi, Trinamool Chairperson asked the people to vote for change at the Centre as well as the State. She maintained that in the last 14 years since the creation of the state, political parties have only exploited the people. Didi said that Jharkhand has immense potential and if given a chance, she was willing to work for the people here.

Excerpts from the Chairperson`s speech:

Jharkhand is a beautiful state. When the state was formed along with Uttarkhand and Chhatisgarh, we supported it. We wanted good governance and all-round development of this state. But within 13-14 years of the creation of this state, there have already been nine governments. If there have been so many changes in governments, when did the developmental works take place? There has been no work.

 

The Assembly elections are going to take place in a few months in this state. We have started our journey with the Lok Sabha elections, but I will come back again and again to strengthen Trinamool Congress here in this state and work with honour. You have seen the Congress, BJP and others. Give us a chance. Let us work here. We want to work with the mandate of the people.

 

Whatever work we do, we do with honour and honesty. I do not make false promises. In Bengal we have no money yet we give rice at Rs 2/kg to the poor and tribal people of Jangalmhal. We give scholarships to girls so that they can carry on with their studies. Nine lakh girls have already been registered and our target is to extend the scheme to 16 lakh girls by the end of this year. We have increased reservations for tribal and minority community people.

 

We have set up new schools for tribal people, started schools with Santhali languages as the medium of instruction. We have distributed cycles to two and a half lakh tribal students. We have created Yuvashree and Kanyshree. There is peace in Jangalmahal and the Hills of Darjeeling.

 

Jharkhand has immense potential. The political parties here just come and go and ask for votes but do not fulfil their promises. Trinamool Congress never does that. We pay attention to common people. If you want to see a new dawn of development, vote for Trinamool Congress. I do not speak of things I cannot do, but whatever promises I make, I always fulfil them. What we want to do here, we will say it through our manifesto.

 

Congress and BJP have lots of money, we are a small party. They publicize the little they do but keep quiet about what they do not. Trinamool Congress is the party of common people. Congress and BJP came together to create Telangana. They want to sell the country. Prices of Petrol, diesel, fertilizers, LPG have increased, people have been betrayed. But, we have decreased the cost of electricity in Bengal. We have stopped hike in bus fares.

 

We are your neighbours. Bengal and Jharkhand are friends; we know about your problems. We can share resources for the development of both the states. Eastern India has been neglected and tortured by the Central Government.

 

Congress has been increasing prices of everything to save its own existence. BJP is the most communal party. Common people hate riots. A chance has come where your mandate can bring about a change. Do not let go of this chance; vote for the change.

 

I do not fear anything, I like to fight. I will work for common people as long as I live. Do not think that I am from another state as we all belong to the same country. We are working for the people despite paucity of funds. Bengal should be treated as a model state as it excels in a number of fields. We have created Fair Price Medicine Shops, Diagnostic Centres for poor people. We have set up 8 Universities in two and a half years. We provide allowances to folk artistes.

 

Thank you all for listening to me in this scorching heat. Jai Hind.

Trinamool Chairperson calls for Poriborton in Jharkhand

After `poriborton` in West Bengal, it is time for Jharkhand to usher in change, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said today.

 

“We have come to power in West Bengal after 34 years and brought `poriborton` there. Now it is your turn to do the same for the betterment of Jharkhand,” Ms. Banerjee told an election rally in Dhanbad.

 

Referring to the frequent change of government in the State, “Now it is an opportune time to vote for the Trinamool candidates as our party will call the shots in Delhi after the elections” she said.

Lashing out at the Congress and BJP for the policy of splitting States, she said that there were no instances of good governance in Chattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand for which this was done.

 

Attacking the BJP, Ms. Banerjee said that the saffron party would never come to power.

 

“Do not support the BJP as it believes in dividing the country on religious lines and has a penchant for causing disturbances in the form of violence and riots,” she said.

 

Similarly, taking on the Congress, she said “the party is already finished”.

 

Ms. Banerjee said that Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha had been victims of perennial neglect by the Centre.

 

“Now time has come to knock at the door in Delhi and claim our just rights. This is an opportune time and opportunities do not come often,” Ms. Banerjee maintained.

Excerpts from Chairperson`s speech:

 

I welcome you all. I am thankful to you for joining us here in spite of the scorching sun. Trinamool Congress has started its journey in Jharkhand. We want to do some good work here for the people of this state. We brought a change in Bengal after 34 years; we can do the same in Jharkhand.

 

Congress is anti-people. Even a veteran leader like CS Dubey ji left the party because of the policies. There are other parties too, like BJP, which did not do anything for the state.  After the state was formed, there have been around 9 governments. Politicians here work for themselves, not people. We will change that. I request you to support Trinamool Congress once and give us the chance to do some work. We will not let you down. 

 

Jharkhand has a huge potential which many states do not possess. The state can witness a lot of development. But there is mafia raj and democracy is demolished. We want to put an end to that. A dark night leads to a bright day. We are your neighbours. We will give support to you. We are here for your friendship.

 

Trinamool Congress is going to be a big factor in the coming future. We are committed to working for the people. We fulfil what we promise. We are the real party of aam janata. Common people are with Trinamool Congress. We have fought for the working class. There are a lot of labourers here. Many people have lost their land here for industry. Industry must come up, but not at the cost of the people.

We want good governance in Jharkhand. We want the support of the people. Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand are much neglected. We must work together. No matter what language you speak or what culture you follow, we are all one. I work for all.

 

We talk of the common people. We do not have any fear. BJP is a party of rioters. They create divisions among people to win votes. A rioter can never become the leader of the nation. The leader of the country should be like Rajendra Prasad, Nehru, Patel, Ambedkar, Netaji, Maulana Azad or Birsa Munda; not someone who supports riots. People are my strength. I cannot break their trust for my selfish needs.

 

Do not let the country be sold out. Prices of diesel, petrol, fertilizers and LPG have increased now and then. Vote for change at Centre. Vote for change in Jharkhand. Irrespective of your caste, creed, religion, vote for Trinamool. One vote can change the government at the Centre.

 

The opinion of all parties was sought during the creation of Jharkhand. For Telangana, this was not done. Congress and BJP formed a team do this. We will build Trinamool Congress as a National party. We will decide who forms the next Govt at the Centre. Let there be a new dawn in Jharkhand. Let there be a surge of development here. Vote for Trinamool and for Poriborton.

On the campaign trail with… Pratima Mandal (Naskar)

Pratima Mandal (Naskar) is a WBCS officer who served the Bengal Government as an Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Society and was the CEO, Bidhannagar Wholesale Consumers Cooperative Society Ltd. before she resigned to take the electoral plunge. She has immense knowledge of rural Bengal, thanks to her job experience. Contesting from Joynagar constituency, she hopes to carry on the developmental agenda of Mamata Banerjee.

Trinamool web team joined her on her the campaign trail on March 31, 2014 at Canning-II block.

1 PM – Bhawanipore


A poster in support of Pratima Mandal at Joynagar constituency


Pratima Mandal (Naskar), the Trinamool candidate for Joynagar leaves for her constituency for campaigning braving the heat and the humidity. The temperature is 37.8 degrees but that cannot beat her spirit as thousands of supporters have gathered for a meeting at Chandaneswar.

2.30 PM – Bhangar area, South 24 Parganas


On the way to the rally ground


The road to Ghatakpukur is decorated with party flags on both sides. People recognize their prospective candidate and wave at her. Incidentally, the nearest railway station is at Sonarpur. The UPA II Government had stalled the proposition of extending the railway line till Ghutiari Sharif, which could have made the journey much easier.

3.10 PM – Chandaneswar, Canning II, Joynagar Constituency


Thousands of Trinamool workers at the rally ground


The historical Chandaneswar High School Ground is buzzing with activity. People are geared up for the workers` meeting.  It was here that the then Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee staged a sit-in demonstration on July 31, 2009 to protest against the delay in post-mortem report of party worker Sarbar Khan Chowdhury.

Renowned singer Kalyan Das who had earlier produced the album Maa Mati Manusher Jonno, enthralls the audience with his compositions.

The District President of South 24 Parganas and Mayor of Kolkata, Mr Sovan Chatterjee shares the stage with other leaders and dignitaries, which includes the sitting MP from Bongaon Gobindo Naskar and other local leaders.


5.00 PM – Chandaneswar High School Ground, Canning II,  Joynagar Constituency

Workers, young and old, attend the meeting


What was supposed to be a workers` meeting has now taken the shape of a mass meeting. There is not enough space to accommodate everyone. Even the adjoining roads have thousands of supporters listening to the leaders. The turnout is approximately 10000, if not more.

Pratima di says that she will stick to the vision of the Trinamool Government for the development of the region. Pratima di is greeted by the thousands as she rises to speak. She said she strongly believed that “Jibe prem kore jei jon, sei jon sebiche Iswar“, adding that it was her duty to serve people and reach out to Iswar or Allah, whichever faith the people gathered believed in. 

Pratima di takes the stage


She said that Ms. Mamata Banerjee was working tirelessly and her focus is only the betterment of people. People of Bengal as well as Canning East have faith on Mamata Banerjee, she said and asked the people to shower their blessings on her as she represented Didi.

5.30 PM – Chandaneswar High School Ground, Canning II,  Joynagar Constituency


State President Subrata Bakshi and South 24 Parganas District President Sovan Chatterjee on stage


The State President of Trinamool Congress Mr. Subrata Bakshi takes the stage. The Trinamool State President laid down a no-nonsense guideline to the party workers on how to carry out the campaign. He pointed out that the Trinamool Government has been instrumental in bringing peace in Bengal, especially in Jangalmahal. He said that the forthcoming election is for upholding the honour of people of Bengal among other things. He urged the gathered audience to show their support to the party in ballot boxes, as they had done in the past elections.

6.00 PM – Canning II,  Joynagar Constituency

Pratima Di addresses the audience


Speaking to the Trinamool web team, Pratima di said that Didi has a total plan for the development of the constituency. “I am going to work on the model set. There is lots of work to be done and many are already on process,” she said.

The ex-WBCS officer, who already has an enormous experience in administration, said that the protection of the environment in Sunderbans was among her top agendas. There are embankments to be created to keep away the flood waters, several arsenic-free drinking water projects for the areas, she observed. She pointed out the need of more ambulances for the people living in interior areas.


Pratima di waves at the masses



6.15 PM – Canning II,  Joynagar Constituency

Around 100 political workers affiliated to CPI(M), from Durgapur-Rajpur, Bhangar areas join Trinamool Congress in presence of the State President Mr. Subrata Bakshi and other leaders. The venue erupts with the slogans Trinamool Congress Zindabad and Mamata Banerjee Zindabad.

Pratima di with the district Trinamool Leadership



6.35 PM – Chandaneswar High School Ground, Canning II,  Joynagar Constituency

The campaign for the day comes to an end with a strategy meeting. Bakshi da lays specific guidelines to local leadership. Pratima di gives her inputs which are noted down. Everyone vows to plunge into the campaign mode with renewed enthusiasm from the next day.

Pratima di delivers her speech at Chandaneswar

1000 days at a glance: Backward classes welfare and Tribal development

The Government of West Bengal is committed towards the welfare of all sections of society, irrespective of their castes. Under the present regime, backward classes have seen a surge of development. A separate ministry has been formed for the welfare of Tribals. In the last two-and-a-half years, the facility of scholarships has been extended to almost 84 lakh students belonging to scheduled castes and tribes and other backward classes. 9.44 lakh caste certificates were given out in calendar year 2013, against 8.11 lakh in 2009 and 2010 combined.

Here are some of the achievements in the area of backward classes welfare and Tribal development:

Department of Tribal Development: The present government has created the Department of Tribal Development to uplift the overall standard of living of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The first meeting of the newly constituted Tribes Advisory Council, formed by representatives of various tribes, has already taken place.

Tribal Development in the Terai region: Hindi as a language will be included in the graduate and post-graduate curriculum of North Bengal University. keeping the demands of tribal students in mind. Banarhat College (Hindi medium) will start functioning from August 2014. Hindi medium schools will start in Banarhat, Matiali and Kalchini. The government is supplying rice to the workers of closed tea gardens at Rs 2 per kg.

Special reservation: A historic decision towards 17% reservation for OBC students in government-aided higher education centres has been made during the tenure of the present government. It will be introduced in academic year 2014-15. The step has been taken without reducing the number of seats earmarked for general students.

The government of India has recently enlisted 37 new groups as Bengal, as a result of relentless endeavour and a long-standing demand of the government of West Bengal. Of these, 35 are from minority communities. As a consequence, scopes for the education and the employment of backward classes will be widened.

Tribal Development in the hills: The State Government has taken positive steps for the development of various ethnic people on the hills. The Mayel Lyang Lepcha Development Board was formed in 2012 for the socio-economic and cultural development of the Lepcha community, besides the implementation of the GTA Agreement. The Lepcha Development Board was registered as a separate society on August 5, 2013.

Rs. 1 crore has already been sanctioned to the Board for the growth of education and culture under the plan-head. One thousand women have been identified as beneficiaries of houses to be built under the Rangee scheme. Rs 50 crore has been granted for this project, out of which Rs 20 crore has already been sanctioned to the Development Board under the plan-head.

Formation of Tamang Development Board: The state government has recently constituted the Tamang Development Board for the overall growth of Tamang and other communities and to preserve Tamang culture and traditions. This Board will also look into matters related to the development of other communities.

Inclusion of 11 groups in the list of scheduled tribes: The union government has been requested by the state to induct 11 groups, including the 10 ethnic groups of Darjeeling – Bhujel, Gurung, Mangar, Newar, Yogi, Khas, Rai, Sunuar, Thammi and Iksa (Dewan) – and Dhimal, in the list of scheduled tribes.

Other welfare projects:

  • Giving bicycles to girl students reading in classes IX to XII in order to encourage them to continue with their studies
  • Scope for applying online for caste certificates and different scholarships for students
  • Scope for construction of houses under the Geetanjali project
  • Arrangements for the availability of individual/collective land deeds under the Forest Rights Act
  • Loans and grants according to the terms and conditions of the concerned financial enterprise (Aranya Shakti Prokalpa)
  • Many people pluck kendu leaves from jungles and sell them. Keeping this in consideration, the price of kendu leaves has been enhanced from Rs 48 per chatta to Rs 75 per chatta.
  • Special training in subjects, including spoken English, computer education, etc. under the monitoring of internationally famous institutions for employment in private sectors.
  • Education loans under easy terms and conditions for professional and technical higher education.

We will not allow divisive politics in Bengal: Didi at Raniganj

Trinamool Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee today addressed three rallies in support of Asansol Lok Sabha candidate Dola Sen. The last rally, which was held at Raniganj, saw a huge turnout of people although it was quite late in the evening. Ms. Banerjee was accompanied by Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Mithun Chakraborty. Speaking about the candidate, Didi said Dola Sen was a hard worker who has been a part of many movements along with her.

 

Speaking before the Chairperson Mithun Chakraborty compared the economic situation in Bengal to that of a tenant. He demanded to know why a new tenant should pay the dues of an old tenant. Slamming the Left for incurring huge debt, Mithun said he agreed to become an MP because he sincerely believes Didi is doing good work in Bengal. Mithun Chakraborty also slammed the BJP for their seasonal appearances only during elections. He raised the slogan: Har ghar Didi, baar baar Didi.

During her speech, the Chairperson came down heavily with the communal policies of BJP and why Bengal model of governance is better than Gujarat. She also slammed the secret understanding between CPI(M), Congress and the BJP to defeat Trinamool. She also slammed the Centre for not providing funds to Bengal. She also highlighted the developmental work the Government has been doing despite the paucity of funds.

Excerpts from the Chairperson`s speech:

 

I thank you all for waiting till such late hour, only to listen to me. Earlier the Left Front would not even allow us to hold meetings and rallies in this district. Memari, Raina, Pandua, Manteswar – there are many places where polls were rigged, Opposition had no voice. You voted Left out of power in 2011. Now is the time to completely rout them. Our slogan in 2011 was Bodla noy, Bodol chai (change, not revenge). We have followed that in letter and spirit.

Congress and BJP have a huge money power. We don`t. But we have honour and people`s support. The Opposition has no other work but to appear on TV shows and criticise us. What positive work they have done? The CPI(M) incurred debts and now the Centre is taking away our money. Why did they not stop the Left from borrowing? We have been generating more revenue every year. But the Centre has taken away Rs 76000 crores for debt repayment.

The Centre does not release funds for JNNURM, 100-days job scheme. The Centre has hiked the prices of diesel, petrol, LPG, coal, fertilisers. Kitchen of common people is on fire. The Centre has set a record in scams – from 2G to coal scam. They have sold out the country. The CPI(M) deprived an entire generation of the right to study English. They are all the same. A party of riots can never come to power in Centre.

The CPI(M), BJP and Congress have come together to defeat the Trinamool. I can give my life for Ma, Mati, Manush. I will never leave the side of Ma, Mati, Manush. We work for the people because we care for them, not for money. The Congress and BJP came together to form Telangana. They blocked live proceedings and did not allow any voting. Bengal will reply to the parties in a fitting manner if they try to divide this state.

Irrespective of which state you live, which religion you follow, we are all one. This is India`s culture. A leader must lead by example. We must follow our religion but respect other religions too. India is a great nation. Divisive politics should not be allowed here. A true leader should be acceptable to all.

BJP only makes an appearance during elections and plays divisive politics. BJP cannot be seen during Durga Puja or Holi or Kali Puja. I offer puja as well as attend Eid celebration. We should shun divisive politics and riots in India. Do not fall for the conspiracies hatched by some sections of the society who want to encourage riots for votes.

During riots after Babri demolition, I toured the whole city. But those in power that time, stayed in their offices. Why should political parties dictate what one should eat – vegetarian or non-veg food? Why should they decide what we should wear? The CPI(M)-Congress-BJP have become one. They cannot win elections by using violent means. Bengal is a land of stalwarts. We have a strong culture and heritage. We will not allow riots here.

The Left only set up 3 colleges in Bengal. In just two and a half years, we have set up 31 colleges. We have set up a police commisionerate here. Law and order has improved. We will reform the coal mines, make them more labour-friendly if we come to power. We have set up an airport at Andal and a university at Asansol named after Kazi Nazrul Islam. We have started 8 universities in just two and half years. CPI(M) distributed only 12000 pattas in 2009-10. We have distributed 2 lakh pattas in two and half years. We have set up 35 SNCUs in two and half years. Left set up only 6 in 34 years.

Asansol has been declared a Health District. The Left Front Government completely neglected Asansol region for 34 years. We have proper plan for development. There are several agitations against land acquisition in Gujarat. After 2011, we have stopped forcible acquisition. We resolved the issue of land acquisition for NTPC project in Katwa without using force. An industrial estate is coming up at Durgapur. It will bring in investment for Rs 12,000 crore. Modernisation of IISCO and Chittaranjan Locomotive Works started because of me.

We quit UPA when they hiked the prices of LPG cylinders. The Centre hiked the prices of petrol, diesel, fertilisers. We have protested every time. We have launched a financial assistance scheme for girls called Kanyashree. It will encourage them to pursue education. We have started employment bank, Yuvashree scheme for the youth.

Bengal and Gujarat cannot be compared. They have a very small population. Bengal`s population is largely poor. They also received a lot of Central funds after 2001 earthquake. Bengal, not Gujarat, is India`s model. Our growth rate of revenue earning is 31%. For Gujarat it is 15%.

Jangalmahal is smiling. Darjeeling is smiling. Peace prevails in my State. 80 Fast Track courts have been started in Bengal. 19 Human Rights Court have been set up. 26 women`s police station and 45 women`s courts are coming up in Bengal. Certain media houses are deliberately supporting other parties with biased news. No other state can match the potential of Bengal. Only 6 lakh students used to get scholarships in Left regime. We have extended that to 57 lakh students. We have started reservations for backward classes. We have increased number of seats. General category will not be touched.

Vote for change at the Centre. Trinamool will decide the next government. Stay well, stay safe. Ensure Trinamool wins maximum seats from Bengal.

Jai Hind. Vande Mataram.

Bengal, not Gujarat, is the model for India: Trinamool Chairperson at Kulti

Trinamool Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee today held a campaign rally at Kulti in support for the Asansol candidate Dola Sen. She was accompanied by Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Mithun Chakraborty. Braving the heat, thousands of people of people had gathered at the venue, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, age or gender to listen to Didi. Speaking about the candidate, Didi said Dola Sen was a hard worker who has been a part of many movements along with her.

Speaking before the Chairperson Mithun Chakraborty compared the economic situation in Bengal to that of a tenant. He demanded to know why should a new tenant pay the dues of an old tenant. Slamming the Left for incurring huge debt, Mithun said he agreed to become an MP because he sincerely believes Didi is doing good work in Bengal. Mithun Chakraborty also slammed the BJP for their seasonal appearances only during elections. He raised the slogan: Har ghar Didi, baar baar Didi. Mithun added: Botam tipbo eikhane, sarkar gorbo oikhane.

During her speech, the Chairperson did not spare the Opposition. She talked at length about the communal policies of BJP and why Bengal model of governance is better than Gujarat. She also slammed the secret understanding between CPI(M), Congress and the BJP to defeat Trinamool. She minced no words to express her displeasure at the Centre for not providing funds to Bengal. She also highlighted the developmental work the Government has been doing despite the paucity of funds.

Excerpts from the Chairperson`s speech:

 

Thank you all for being present here. Kulti voted for Poriborton in 2011 elections. This time you must vote for Trinamool. The Left Front Govt blocked water pipeline project in Kulti. They ask why there is shortage of drinking water in Kulti. They should ask themselves why they stopped water pipeline project. Irrespective of caste, creed or religion, we work for the people.

As Railway Minister, I had promised a railway wagon factory for this region. It is under construction. As Rail Minister, I started the work of modernising Chittaranjan Locomotives and IISCO. IT hubs are coming up at Bardhaman, Asansol, Durgapur. We have set up a university named after Kazi Nazrul Islam at Asansol. We have rejuvenated ECL. It is now making profits. We have formed a separate commissionerate for this region. Law and order has improved in this region.

NTPC power project was on the verge of shutting down. We gave them land, without acquisition. DVC is expanding its units in Bengal. We will get investment of Rs 10000 crore. SAIL is also investing Rs 20000 crore in Bengal. A lot of work is being done in Bardhaman district. There will be a huge employment generation.

The Centre took away Rs 76000 crores. They are not releasing Rs 1400 crores for 100-days job scheme. The Centre is depriving us of funds. They do not want us to carry on developmental work. The CPI(M) exploited the coal belt of Asansol. The Congress is anti-people, they only hike prices. Prices of everything have shot up during Congress rule. But price of human life has fallen in this regime.

Those who support riots can never become PM. They can use money power for marketing. But people won`t vote for them. We have given second language status to Urdu, Gurmukhi, Al Chiki, Nepali. Bengal Govt has declared Chhat Puja as state holiday. From Hills to Jangalmahal, we care for all. No matter what their caste or religion is.

Gujarat is not the national model. Bengal is the true model. Gujarat does not have such a huge debt burden like us. Bengal has only two ports, out of which one needs dredging. Gujarat has many ports. The growth in revenue generation in Gujarat is 15%. In Bengal it is 31%. Bengal is better than Gujarat. Infant mortality rate in Gujarat is 42. In Bengal it is 31. I love the people of Gujarat, not those who orchestrate riots.

The Left distributed 12000 pattas in 2009-10. We distributed 2 lakh pattas in two and a half years. We have set up 31 government colleges in the last two and a half years. CPI(M) destroyed Bengal, Congress neglected Bengal. BJP is a communal, divisive party. Do not vote for them. CPI(M)-Congress-BJP are together. They are one and the same. We do not want riots. We want peace. We want prosperity.

We have given scholarships to 57 lakh students. We have started reservations for backward classes. We have given 50% reservation to women at Panchayat level. We have initiated Kanyashree scheme for girls. We quit UPA because we are against FDI in multi-brand retail. We are with small traders.

BJP comes to Bengal only when there are elections and divides people on religious lines. Where does the BJP hide during Durga Puja? We participate in all festivals, whether Durga Puja or Holi. I participate in Eid, Christmas, Guru Parab as well as Kali Puja. This is the path shows by Ramakrishna.

BJP-Congress-CPI(M) have a secret understanding. They want to eat into Trinamool`s votes. Votes cannot be bought with money. If the media could influence voters, we would not have won Panchayat elections. People are with us. I will work for the people as long as I live. People`s trust is an asset in politics. We can never break it.

Stay well, stay healthy. Vote for joraphool.