He promised ‘Achhey Din’, instead Modi has destroyed the country: Abhishek Banerjee at Kaliganj

All India Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee today addressed a public meeting at Kaliganj in the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha Constituency in Nadia district.

Highlights of his speech:

I welcome all present here today to this rally and showed their support for Trinamool Congress.

If woman power is behind you, no other power can harm you.

There is a huge difference between the elections that were held in 2009 and 2014, and the election being held in 2019.

Our fight is against a power that has been using government agencies like the CBI and ED to spread fear among people. Mamata Banerjee is the only leader who could not be subdued by such threats.

Mamata Banerjee has given the clarion call to drive out the BJP of Bangla.

Bangla is the land of renaissance. Bangla showed the way during the freedom struggle.

Bengal has been the force behind mass movements such as that of Ekushey July, Netai, Singur, Nandigram, Bantala, Dhantala and Keshpur.

Bangla has never tolerated divisive politics.

Bangla is the land of Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Matangini Hazra and Ram Mohan Roy. The people of today need to follow that glorious tradition.

Our fight is not only for Ranaghat or the district of Nadia, but for winning all the 42 seats in the State.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose once said, “Give me blood and I will give you freedom,” and Mamata Banerjee has now given the call to win all 42 out of 42 seats to ensure for you a progressive, peaceful, secular and developed India.

We have done a lot of developmental work.

If there is comparison made between Modi and Didi in terms of developmental work, the former will lose badly.

‘Achhey Din’ never came. GST and demonetisation destroyed the country. GDP has dropped by 2%.

The country has become financially bankrupt.

The prime minister of the country is asking for votes in the name of the army, in the name of religion.

They have taken away the savings of the poor during demonetisation. And on top of that, they have built a seven-star party head office in Delhi.

Should the youth vote for such a BJP?

In the name of ‘Acchey Din’, the prices of cooking gas, petrol, diesel and kerosene have been increased.

The prime minister used to call himself a tea-seller, now he calls himself a chowkidar. But nobody has seen him selling tea at any time. Our chief minister, on the other hand, is still her humble self – still living in a small, tile-roofed house, from where she governs the 10 crore people of the State, ensuring the wave of development reaches every one of them.

The BJP talks about ‘imam bhata’ (stipend for imams) and ‘moazeem bhata’ (stipend for moazzems) being given out of the money you pay as tax. But that’s a falsehood being spread by them.

That money is taken out of fund of the Waqf Board, as ordered by the Supreme Court of India, and the money you pay as tax, all of it is spent on the various developmental schemes that the Trinamool Government has undertaken.

Mamata Banerjee had decided to give Rs 10,000 as a grant to Durga Puja committees across the State. And what did we see? The BJP, CPI(M) and Congress ganged up the next day and filed a case against us, calling the move Muslim appeasement.

We have respect for all religions. The only religion we follow is humanism. Our job is to ensure that all people get the benefits of government schemes.

The candidates of the other parties are making a lot of promises too. But all of them will be vanquished in the coming days and will never be seen again. .

We have all seen the seasonal insects (‘shyama poka’) that come to our homes during the Diwali period, which fly away after a few days. The same is the case with the BJP leaders who are now promising you so many things.

But Trinamool Congress has always stood beside the people – on all occasions, for every reason, at all times.

‘Acchey Din’’ has come only for the son of Amit Shah, whose company’s income increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 80 crore in one year. People are disgusted because they have lost all their money.

How much black money has been recovered through demonetisation? Nothing.

After the election, the BJP must be driven out – all of us here must take this oath today.

People like Vijay Mallya and Mehul Choksi have fled the country after stealing huge amounts of money from the people in spite of the Chowkidar being present.

Modi is talking about ‘Make in India’ when the car he is using is made in Germany,

The government has funds for a Rs 3,000-crore statue and the bullet train project but not for social schemes.

Should you vote for the people who have terrorised the people of Nadia? The BJP is creating communal tensions between Hindus and the Muslims.

Some people are saying, Hindus are in danger while some are saying, Muslims are in danger. But if one sees things after removing the spectacles of distortion, one will realise that the whole nation is in danger.

The BJP came to power in 2014 with Swami Vivekananda supposedly in their hearts and minds but has not had the intention of giving recognition to Belur Math.

Our current prime minister has taken the country 200 years back.

Therefore vote for Mahua Moitra and through that, ensure that Mamata Banerjee become stronger. Mamata Banerjee is the only solution to all the ills that have befallen the country.

 

Throw out divisiveness, bring in unity: Mamata Banerjee at Jangipur

At the second meeting in Murshidabad today, Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee spoke to a huge gathering at Jangipur. She stressed that there can be no division in voting on religious lines, like the BJP was doing. “We are human beings first,” she said.

HIghlights of her speech:

  • I have come to Jangipur many times before on several occasions, from Azimganj to Beldanga. I know these places very well.
  • Murshidabad is a historic region. British rule in Bengal started from here. History will continue to be created here.
  • You know why we walked out of the Congress. A section of the party was hand in gloves with the CPI(M). It has been proven now. Has it been proven or not? Why we walked out of the Congress? Had Trinamool not been formed, CPI(M) could not have been defeated in Bengal. Congress would not have been able to. Remember this.
  • CPM, Congress, BJP are all bhai bhai – jagai, madai, gadai. It is not a new situation.
    RSS is supporting BJP and even Congress in Baharampore. But what sort of Hinduism are they following? They are imposing more of it than being broad-minded and secular.
  • There are many faiths. I am born Hindu but I am first a human being, then I follow all other religions. I chant Hindu mantras every day and Muslim rituals as well. People should also follow this. There can be no division in voting on religious lines. Our basic thought is “Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Issai; hum sabh rahenge bhai bhai”.
  • Money being spent by the parties. The RSS is carrying cash and distributing to people. If you see anything like this, then immediately inform the police.
  • We have done many things for Murshidabad. We have built colleges, ITIs, hospitals – all work we will do and the babus will go to Delhi and claim that they have done it.
  • These babus and leaders come only during election, then go away and forget about the people here.
  • We will win 42 out of 42 and continue with development of Bangla.
  • In name of NRC, so many Hindus and Muslims are being chased out. Over 22 lakh names have been deleted.
  • All these are connivances to break the nation, break Bengal. But Trinamool will not allow this. How can you prevent this? By voting against them. That is the only way you can teach them a lesson.
  • UP and Bengal will decide the new government. BJP will not be coming to power. All the states one after the other will show that BJP is not the party that can show the way for the country’s progress.
  • Hence, we have to change. BJP govt has to change and be removed.
  • Please remember to vote for the Trinamool candidates and jora phool.

 

Darjeeling: Looking at a bright future

Darjeeling has witnessed phenomenal growth and development in the last seven and a half years. Despite few incidents of unrest in the Hills, efforts led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were decisive in re-establishing peace there.

Health: 4 fair-price medicine centres, 6 fair-price diagnostic centres, free beds, 8 SNSUs, 2 SNCUs, 3 CCUs, 3 HDUs

Schools: 131 schools established, 116 schools’ levels upgraded

Scholarships: 2.28 lakh students under Kanyashree, more than 1.07 lakh students under Sikshashree

Higher education: Darjeeling Hill University coming up in Mongpu; 2 government degree colleges, 2 ITIs coming up

Kisan Mandi: 3 Kisan Mandis set up

100 Days’ Work: More than 4.17 crore man-days created from FY 2013-14 to 2017-18

Housing: About 22,000 people benefitted from housing schemes, including rural housing

Industry: First Hill Business Summit held in 2018, at which investment proposals worth Rs 2,000 crore were received

Roads & bridges: 3,611 km of roads built/repaired/widened

Tourism: Bengal Safari Park near Siliguri; environment-friendly tourist lodge on Tiger Hill, renovation of Netaji Museum in Giddapahar; Roy Villa in Darjeeling, where Sister Nivedita died, acquired by the State Government and renovated

Development boards: 16 development boards created for 16 communities in the district for the communities’ social development and cultural well-being

Samajik Suraksha Yojana: 1.82 lakh unorganised labourers enlisted

Karmatirtha: 3 Karmatirthas built

Sports: Himal-Terai-Dooars Spots Festival being held every year with a lot of enthusiasm

 

Every vote for CPI(M)-Congress, is a vote wasted: Mamata Banerjee at Chopra

Trinamool Chairperson Mamata Banerjee today addressed a public meeting at Chopra in Uttar Dianajpur district. She said that despite winning from this seat in the past, BJP, Congress and CPI(M) have done nothing for the people. She also said that every vote for CPI(M)-Congress, is a vote wasted.

Highlights of her speech:

  • In the past, BJP, Congress and CPI(M) have won from Darjeeling seats. They have done nothing for the people
  • This time the election is for the ouster of BJP from power. You have to ensure that Modi babu does not become the PM again
  • Last time, BJP candidate won from Darjeeling. He did a vanishing act after that
  • A vote for the Congress and the CPI(M) is a vote waste as it will benefit the BJP
  • Amar Singh Rai is a bhumiputra of the Hills. He was an MLA. He is a go-getter. He is a local person, not someone imposed by Delhi
  • We do not Darjeeling to burn. We do not want violence in Siliguri. Hills and plains will work together
  • BJP comes to Bengal only during elections and disappears after that
  • CPI(M), Congress and BJP have become one, like Jagai-Madhai-Godai
  • Trinamool will lead the formation of the next government at Centre. Trinamool will lead the change at Centre.
  • Five years ago Modi babu was chaiwallah. Now he has become chowkidar. After elections he will have to hide under hangars
  • He has spent four and half years travelling around the world.
  • They carried out lynchings in the name of gau-raksha. They persecuted minorities
  • Chowkidar is a thief, liar, riot-monger. Do not vote for him.
  • All the institutions have lost their credibility. They intimidate the media
  • They bring people from outside during election, distribute money to win votes. Ensure that they do not win
  • They promised they will create 10 crore jobs in 5 years. But 2 crore jobs lost in just one year
  • Demonetisation destroyed the economy. Tribals and Dalits have been persecuted in the last five years
  • They want to drive away everyone in the name of NRC. They will not be able to touch even one person in Bengal
  • They had prior information about Pulwama attack. Why did they not take action action? We lost our brave jawans in the attack; we are really sad about that
  • Replacing officers will not bear any fruit. Officers do not vote, people do.
  • They want to bring the Citizenship Amendment Bill, which will declare you a foreigner for six years. We will not allow the Bill to pass
  • We have to protect the unity and harmony of the country. I will sacrifice my life but never allow the country to be divided

 

Seasonal birds of BJP visit Bengal during elections only: Mamata Banerjee in Jalpaiguri

Trinamool Chairperson Mamata Banerjee today attended a public meeting at Churabhandar in Jalpaiguri district. In her speech, she said that the seasonal birds of BJP visit Bengal during elections only, while Trinamool works for the people throughout the year.

Highlights of her speech:

  • North Bengal was neglected for years on end. The region lagged behind in development
  • We set up the a mini-secretariat – Uttarkanya – in Jalpaiguri district
  • We set up the Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court in Jalpaiguri. The PM only made false claims – our government allocated funds and land for setting it up
  • We set up world-class Biswa Bangla Krirangan in Jalpaiguri. We started Bhorer Aalo tourism project in Gajoldoba
  • We have started a new road project connecting north Bengal with Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh
  • One closed tea garden has reopened today. We congratulate the workers
  • Before 2016 polls, Modi babu and his ministers said they will take over closed tea gardens. They did not keep their promise
  • They are seasonal birds who can be seen only during elections. We are working for the people 365 days a year
  • I regularly come to north Bengal. I am working hard for the progress of this region
  • They are creating divisions between Hills and Terai-Dooars. The BJP candidate was responsible for violence and tension between Hills and Terai-Dooars
  • The BJP is stoking the fire of violence in Hills and we are dousing it
  • Where was the BJP when the Hills were burning? Now when peace reigns in Bengal, they are coming here with a bouquet of lies, out of envy
  • This is not an election to elect the CM of Bengal. This is an election for the Lok Sabha
  • Where were you for the last 5 years? Now you have come here just before elections
  • Where was Modi baby when north Bengal was suffering from floods? Have you no shame, seeking votes now?
  • We passed a resolution to change the name of the State twice in the Assembly but they have even blocked that. What is your problem with ‘Bangla’
  • They are killing people in the name of gau-raksha. They should be ashamed
  • They are offering money to people to attend their rallies and vote for them. It is not their money. It is people’s money
  • You can take the youth to your rally by offering money. What will happen after elections? Will they get jobs?
  • I have worked with many prime ministers in the past. I have never seen a PM with such low mentality, so uncouth and lacking courtesies
  • Sarada-Narada-Hawala leader is now BJP leader. He was sharing the stage with the PM today. Our party expelled him
  • He is conducting rallies with person accused in hawala case
  • They say Didi is afraid. Yeah sure. Didi fights from front. She is not afraid of lock-up. Didi has been attacked many times. My life has been one of struggle
  • Women will not take any insult lightly. They run the family as well as the nation. Do not underestimate them
  • They are spreading lies in the name of army and central forces
  • They think they can win elections by shifting out some officers. If the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh can be changed, why should union cabinet secretary not be changed?
  • Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Andhra are being raided by CBI. They are misusing the agencies to target the Opposition
  • When you will be out of power, no one will listen to you. People will reject you
  • From RBI to CBI, everyone is saying bye bye
  • He used to say he is chaiwala. After 5 years, he has turned into chowkidar
  • The real chowkidars, who guard the ATMs, are not getting salaries. Why are BSNL employees not getting salaries?
  • We have our own health insurance scheme Swasthya Sathi, with a cover upto Rs 5 lakh. 7.5 crore people will benefit. The cards will be issued in the name of the women of the family (to empower them). Why should we pay 40% funds for Ayushman Bharat?
  • We are giving Rs 5000 per acre annually to farmers under Krishak Bandhu scheme. We are paying the entire premium of crop insurance.
  • Khajna tax and mutation fees on agricultural land have been waived off.
  • We give Rs 1,500 to workers of closed tea gardens. We provide electricity and water for free to the tea gardens
  • Debi Chaudhurani temple in Jalpaiguri was destroyed in fire; we are restoring it. We have renovated Jalpesh Shiv Mandir here
  • My best wishes to the new voters. You must ask the ‘Expiry Prime Minister’ what happened to the promise of generating 10 crore jobs
  • In 2017-18 alone, 2 crore people lost their jobs due to demonetisation
  • They promised to bring back black money and deposit Rs 15 lakh in every bank account. Have you received it?
  • They only carry out canards and propaganda.
  • In this election, bring about change in the government at Centre. Bengal will have a decisive say in the formation of next government
  • They are threatening to throw people out of Bengal in the name of NRC. I dare them to even touch one person, we will show them their place
  • As per the Citizenship Amendment Bill, you will lose your citizenship for six years. Then if they want they will give you citizens. Why? You are already citizens. Those who came to India before March 25, 1971, are citizens of India
  • We have told the people of Assam, if they are thrown out, Bengal will give them shelter
  • Modi is very scared of Mamata Banerjee because when everyone else remains silent, we raise our voice in protest
  • They do not believe the Constitution. They want to change history.
  • It was our government that set up Panchanan Barma University in Cooch Behar. We set up the Rajbanshi Academy.
  • We gave official language status to Rajbanshi, Kamtapuri, Kurukh, Nepali, Ol Chiki, Gurmukhi and many other languages
  • The youth of the nation must rise and bring about change at Centre

 

Money power being used in elections: Mamata Banerjee in Mathabhanga

Trinamool Chairperson Mamata Banerjee today addressed a public meeting at Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar district. In her speech she said that the BJP will do away with elections if voted back to power, and Ambedkar’s Constitution will be destroyed.

Highlights of her speech:

A bridge is coming up, connecting Mekhliganj and Dinhata. I have named it “Joyee Bridge”.

Another bridge has been constructed, which I have named Bhawaiya Setu

Nearly 19-20 bridges have been built here, spreading the wave of development in Cooch Behar district.

I come here throughout the year, unlike my predecessors who neglected the region.

We gave land for the enclaves (Chhitmahals) and took the initiative to solve the problem. No other party cared before us. The Expiry Prime Minister had no role in this. It was done entirely by us.

We have allocated Rs 1,100 crore for the development of Chhitmahals. We have given them land rights

We have set up Panchanan Barma University in Cooch Behar, along with engineering & medical colleges, ITI, polytechnics, Karmatirthas, Kisan Mandis, blood banks, Mother and Child Hubs, industrial clusters for small-scale industries, among other things.

During demonetisation, we gave the needy families Rs 50,000 each to set up businesses.

Five years ago, the Expiry Prime Minister called himself a chaiwallah. Now he calls himself a chowkidar – people are saying, “Chowkidar chor hain”, I say, “Chowkidar jhootha hain”.

This is the first time so much money is being spent in elections. The PM has never helped the people. On the other hand, they have taken away the money which the common people had saved.
The youth of today, the brave young voters of today, will bring new hope

More than two crore people lost their jobs in one year.

The expiry PM is just doing big talk. He promised Rs 15 lakh per account, but he gave nothing. He fooled you into voting for him.

Now he’s taken on the garb of a chowkidar. In reality, many chowkidars all over are losing jobs, are in a desperate state.

We work for the people all the year round, not just during the elections.

The Centre has failed to create jobs. More than 12,000 farmers committed suicide.

They are killing people in the name gau-raksha.

They are threatening to send Bengalis out of the country in the name of NRC. Let them even attempt to do that.

They are stained with the blood of riots. They lack the basic courtesies of politics.

Some media houses have been intimidated into towing their party line. I appeal to the media to be fearless.

Modi is now talking about the welfare of Rajbanshis. Where were you till now?

They made false promises even to Bimal Gurung on the issue of Gorkhaland

He’s saying I don’t allow Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja in Bengal. It is absolutely false

In the upcoming elections, like Maa Durga killed Mahisashur, the mothers of the country will slay Modi democratically

They are trying to intimidate us using agencies like the IT, ED and CBI. We are not scared of them.

Now, the new drama is to insult the armed forces – Army and CRPF. They are calling them “Modi Sena”

The armed forces are impartial institutions. Modi cannot misuse them. The BJP cannot misuse them.

If they come back to power, they’ll destroy Ambedkar’s Constitution – even do away with elections.

NRC & Citizenship Amendment Bill will take away your citizenship for six years. Then they will consider anew if you can be granted citizenship. Therefore you will lose your houses, lands, passports, bank accounts, every opportunity provided by the government. Never let them do this to you

No party other other than the BJP has supported the NRC.

A delegation of Trinamool went to Assam to meet the people affected by NRC. They were assaulted.

I have promised the people of Assam affected by the NRC, that if you are thrown out of Assam, Bengal will welcome you

Modi Babu is saying what development has happened in Bengal? How will he know if he doesn’t come here ever?

Ensure that we win 42 out of 42 seats. Bengal will play a significant role in the formation of the next government at the Centre.

Let everyone from every region in the country live in peace.

 

Bangla committed to labour welfare

The Bangla Government, led by Mamata Banerjee, is committed to the welfare of labourers and workers in the State. Several schemes, such as Samajik Suraksha Yojana, have been launched.

Highlights of the Labour Welfare Department’s achievements

Samajik Suraksha Yojana

  • 5 social security schemes for unorganised labour merged into one scheme – Samajik Suraksha Yojana – for effective implementation (effective from April 1, 2017)
  • As of October 2018, 1.01 crore workers covered under the Samajik Mukti Card Scheme
  • Rs 1,274.29 crore disbursed as benefit to workersSpecial benefit for female students

The Labour Welfare Department introduced a first-of-its-kind benefit in India for female students for pursuing undergraduate course or equivalent skill development course, with the granting of benefit based on the condition of the girl remaining unmarried. This serves the twin goals of enabling higher education for girls and preventing their early marriage.

Medical benefits for unorganised sector workers

  • Medical benefits enhanced from Rs 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per year
  • Medical benefits for surgery made uniform for all workers, at the rate of Rs 60,000 per year

Yuvashree Scheme & other payments

  • Govt has disbursed financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month per person to 1 lakh jobseekers enrolled in the Employment Bank
  • Durga Puja and Eid ex-gratia payment made by the State Govt at the rate of Rs 1,000 per person per year
  • In financial year 2018-19, from April to October, 13,271 beneficiaries received a total of Rs 18.35 crore

 

Bengal takes the lead in employment generation

Over the last few years, Bangla has witnessed phenomenal growth under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee.

Here are the areas where Bangla has achieved immense success in terms of employment generation

1. Unemployment has reduced by 40%

2. Bengal ranks first in 100 Days’ Work with respect to man-day generation, where over 191 crore man-days have been generated

3. Significant increase in employment opportunities in all sectors where almost 1 crore people have become employed in 7.5 years

4. Under Utkarsha Bangla Scheme, almost 6 lakh youths receive skill training every year. The majority have also secured a job in their own profession

5. Yuvashree Scheme: Almost 1.70 lakh youths have received assistance under the Yuvashree Scheme
Under the Yuvashree 2 Arpan Scheme, 50,000 youths will be given financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh every year to start their own businesses

6. 528 Karmatirthas set up to create more employment opportunities

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State Govt promoting herbal colours for a safe Dol Jatra

The State Food Processing and Horticulture Department is promoting the use and sale of herbal colours for Dol Jatra celebrations.

The herbal aabir, as the colours used in the festivities are called, are manufactured by a self-help group (SHG) and are being sold at Mayukh Bhavan in Salt Lake, which houses the Horticulture Department.

The counter will remain open till today (March 20). The price of the herbal colours has been fixed at Rs 30 per 100 grams.

The members of the SHG responsible for manufacturing the herbal colours have received training from Jadavpur University. The colours are extracted from flowers and mixed with talcum powder and arrowroot to manufacture the finished product, said the head of the SHG.

There are five varieties of aabir – green, orange, pink, yellow and violet, extracted from rose, marigold, palash, aparajita and balsam, respectively.

If the schemes for the poor not continued, then they will suffer: Mamata Banerjee

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the media at Nabanna today.

Here are the salient points that she said:

* Have instructed the chief secy to request EC to allow development programmes started before the poll dates were announced.

* Told to carry out relief work in storm affected areas. Permission sought to give relief to the families of deceased and severely affected
* If the schemes for the poor not continued, then they will suffer
* Among them are Khadya Sathi scheme, pension and health schemes, tea garden schemes
* These are public schemes and the people will suffer if they are discontinued for almost three months