Tag: TMYC

The CM’s vision is clear – To make Kolkata the No. 1 city in civic amenities: Abhishek Banerjee

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We have reproduced below an interview of Abhishek Banerjee with The Times of India as published on April 17, 2015:

Q: How would you rate the KMC board’s performance?

AB: It has been a great five years for KMC because there have been significant changes which Kolkatans can see and experience. To name a few -modernisation of the sewerage system, renovation of parks, riverfront beautification, healthcare initiatives, better roads, a modern garbage disposal system that rid the city of vats. The macro direction is being given by one per son -chief minister Mamata Banerjee. She understands the needs of people and insights turned into invaluable milestones for KMC

 

Q: If voted to power, what would you want KMC to focus on?

AB: The KMC, under the mayor’s stewardship and guidance of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, has laid a solid foundation. It is natural that we will build on this in the next five years. As in everything Mamata Banerjee does, specific timelines will be set. The performance of every ward will continue to be closely monitored. The CM’s vision is clear ­ to make Kolkata the number one city in the country in terms of civic amenities. We are heading towards that goal.

 

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Abhishek Banerjee campaigning for KMC elections

 

Q: You have been personally targeted by BJP on a range of issues, including your postgraduate qualification. Your reaction…

AB: I am just a foot soldier doing a job assigned by the party. I will not let such stray and wild accusations divert me from my goal. There is a lot of work to be done. After 34 years, Bengal is finally on the development track with new vigour. Nothing should distract us from that. We have gone to the people with a solid development agenda but the Opposition has only spread canards. We have full faith the people will give a befitting reply to all allegations.

 

Q: The ruling party is mostly blamed for the pre-poll violence. How would you react to that?

AB: When the writing is on the wall and you are fighting for the third or fourth place, you have to look for excuses. The administration has acted on complaints. Police don’t vote; neither do rowdies. Citizens do, and they will do it again, peacefully. Excuses are what losers look for.

 

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On the campaign trail…

 

Q: Do you think the CBI notices on Trinamool and the Saradha scam will deflect public attention from core issues, like development?

AB: I have said this several times in my election rallies. CBI is the Controlled Branch of Investigation of BJP. Parties have used CBI as a political tool in the past; BJP is doing so now. But we will not cow down before CBI, or any other government agency. CBI will also not make Mamata Banerjee change track on the Land Bill.

Trinamool will continue to oppose the anti-poor and anti-farmer Bill. Land has always been part of Trinamool’s DNA. Our party chief had fasted 26 days for this cause. We are against forcible acquisition. However, we do believe that agriculture and industry can co-exist peacefully. Here, Bengal is leading by example.

 

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While campaigning for municipal elections in Kolkata

 

Q: Trinamool is the only party to have announced its mayoral candidate. The party has been functioning like a well-drilled poll machine…

AB: (Smiles) Please do not refer to us as a poll machine. We are a people-centric party. We work for people though the year. We deliver on promises. People trust us. Yes, I think we ran an organized professional campaign. Don’t grudge us that. The final say is with the people and, of course, we are confident truth and development will prevail.

 

Q: You have always been a behind the-scenes strategist. Now, you are increasingly becoming the face of the party’s election campaign. How was the transition, personally?

AB: I still consider myself to be a student of politics. I am humbled that the party has given me responsibilities beyond that of an MP. I will continue to work hard and my single minded goal is to serve the people and fulfil their expectations.

How does BJP know the details of docs submitted to CBI: Abhishek

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Trinamool on Saturday slammed the BJP for all the slander campaign against Mamata Banerjee. Rebutting all the propaganda launched by BJP, Mamata Banerjee had herself shared details of the proceeds from the sale of her paintings and books during a rally at Satyanarayan Park in Barabazar.

Trinamool Youth Congress President Abhishek Banerjee kept up the momentum by lashing out at BJP during a rally at north Kolkata on Saturday. He demanded to know how details of documents submitted to CBI were reaching BJP. He alleged that CBI is acting at the behest of the central government.

Trinamool MP Suvendu Adhikari, who was also campaigning in north Kolkata, said CBI has failed to deliver in all cases it was handling. He said CBI has lost all its credibility. Suvendu added that despite all the propaganda, people rejected BJP in Bongaon and Krishnaganj; same thing will happen in municipal polls.

Abhishek Banerjee takes on ABP and BJP

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National President of Trinamool Youth Congress Abhishek Banerjee  today slammed Anandabazar Patrika group and BJP for their malicious propaganda of lies and smear campaign against Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress.

He was addressing a rally of Trinamool Youth Congress at Bardhaman Chowringhee Maidan. The rally was attended by various leaders of the party  Partha Chatterjee, Secretary General of AITC, Firhad Hakim, General Secretary Subrata Bakhsi, WB State President, Chandrima Bhattacharya, State President of Trinamool Mahila Congress and senior leader Subrata Mukherjee. The meeting was attended by a sea of enthusiast supporters.

He said that he has slapped legal notices to ABP for false news regarding him, which the media group is yet to respond to.  He also questioned how front page headlines in ABP and Ganasakti was exactly similar. He reiterated what the Chairperson has been saying all these while, that ABP published several advertisements of Saradha.

Abhishek Banerjee challeneged the owner of ABP group, Aveek Sarkar to produce the balance sheet of all the companies he is associated with, and he is ready to produce his record within 30 minutes.

Highlights of Abhishek Banerjee’s speech:

  • Yesterday Amit Shah said Saradha raised Rs 15000 crore. But in SC order it is said an independent auditor from SEBI said the amount was Rs 2459 crore.
  • I have sent legal notices to ABP group for false news. They haven’t furnished any proof yet. Will take them to court.
  • Every evening on TV shows, few dalals are carrying out negative propaganda against Mamata Banerjee.
  • ABP is spreading malicious lies against Mamata Banerjee and TMC.
  • Will ABP do a panel discussion on the manifold increase in assets of BJP Ministers?
  • On 13th January, ABP and Ganashakti carried the exact same headline on front page.
  • What is the connection between ABP and Ganashakti? ABP also published advertisements of Saradha.
  • If Aveek Sarkar produces balance sheets of all companies he is associated with, I will produce my records within 30 mins.
  • Neither CBI nor ABP will be able to save BJP. Common people are the only saviour in elections.
  • After becoming the President of BJP, Amit Shah came to Chowringhee to campaign for by-polls. TMC won that seat by 15000 votes.
  • In the students’ union polls, TMCP has formed the union in majority colleges.
  • The more they criticise TMC; people will shower their support on us.
  • BJP returned the pilot cars sent by WB Government so that they could criticise Mamata Banerjee.
  • They traveled without pilot cars in Bardhaman. This is an example that Bengal is safe and secure.
  • Did they talk about development, peace, culture or progress? No. They only talked about capturing power.
  • Mamata Banerjee has a long history of struggle. She did not become a mass leader overnight. From Netai to Nandigram, Singur to Tapasi Malik,  Mamata Banerjee has always stood by the people.
  • They want to defeat Mamata Banerjee by indulging in propaganda through a section of media.
  • Can you block the sunlight by covering your eyes with your hand? No. Defeating Mamata Banerjee is not easy.
  • Let there be a competition based on development. Let them talk based on facts and figures.
  • They do not know the Bengali language, Bengali culture. Will Amit Shah be able to read the banner on stage?
  • Mamata Banerjee started her struggle wearing a hawai chappal 3 decades ago. She still follows the same lifestyle.
  • They think they will bring poriborton in Bengal by visiting the State for 5 minutes.
  • Did Amit Shah say a word against Biman babu or Buddha babu? Did he say anything about Adhir babu?
  • Mamata Banerjee visited Jangalmahal 38 times and Darjeeling 42 times in the last 3.5 years. Standing in Darjeeling, Mamata Banerjee made it clear that she will not allow division of Bengal.
  • A few dalals are carrying out negative propaganda against Mamata Banerjee.
  • The support of people is with TMC and Mamata Banerjee. BJP cannot digest this fact.
  • Yesterday BJP said in their rally ABVP won elections at Raghunathpur College. In reality TMCP won the polls in that college.
  • A particular media group is spreading malicious lies against Mamata Banerjee and TMC.
  • The assets of BJP MPs and Ministers are increasing manifold since Lok Sabha elections.
  • Should there not be a CBI probe into the multifold increase in assets of BJP Ministers? Will there be panel discussions in TV?
  • Investments r pouring into Bengal. WB CM is visiting different places with industrialists for investment opportunities.
  • Trinamool will win the upcoming Municipal polls in Bengal.
  • BJP will suffer a huge defeat in the upcoming polls.

At a personal level I forgive the perpetrator: Abhishek Banerjee

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Trinamool Youth Congress President and Diamond Harbour MP, Abhishek Banerjee wrote on on his Facebook page:

It has been about 24 hours since yesterday’s incident. What happened in Chandipur is now the subject of a police enquiry. So let me restrain myself from making any comments that would pre-judge the enquiry. My beliefs and my will to work will not lessen because of what happened. Whoever is behind this act of cowardice has no idea what we are made of. I am now doubly committed to working for the people and doing my very best for them. At a personal level, however, let me forgive the perpetrator and wish him early recovery. Today is a new day, let us look ahead. I also urge my co-workers to maintain peace, harmony through out the state and be restrained in their actions.

NREGA is now Nasty Ruthless Endeavour Going Anti-People: Abhishek Banerjee | Transcript

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Trinamool MP and National President of TMYC, Abhishek Banerjee made his maiden speech in Lok Sabha today. During a discussion on MGNREGA, he said that NREGA is now Nasty Ruthless Endeavour Going Anti-People. He also asked the government why the funds for the project were being slashed? He asked them to consider what will happen to the livelihood of poor people in rural India.

Full transcript of his speech:

Sir, I rise here today to deliver my maiden speech on an issue that is very close to my heart. I pay my tributes to the martyrs and soldiers of the country, who have sacrificed their lives for India, our motherland. I thank the Maa, Mati, Manushof West Bengal for electing me to this august House. I thank West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for giving a young person like me the opportunity to represent the people of Diamond Harbour constituency. I offer my salaam and pronaam to the members of this House.

Sir, today I am going to speak on MGNREGA. What does this mean? NREGA stands for National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. And the MG, here, Sir, refers to Mahatma Gandhi. This scheme ensuring 100 days’ work to the rural population of India is dedicated to the Father of the Nation.

MG – Then and now

“The soul of India lives in its villages”, declared Mahatma Gandhi at the beginning of 20th century. According to the 2011 census of India, 69% of Indians live in 640,000 different villages. Mahatma Gandhi dedicated his life to the service of people. Even at the stroke of the midnight hour on 14th August, 1947 when India awoke to freedom, Gandhiji was at Noakhali – fasting against communal violence.
• Mahatma Gandhi stood for communal harmony.
• Mahatma Gandhi stood for non-violence.
• Mahatma Gandhi stood for rural development.
• Mahatma Gandhi stood for peace.
• Mahatma Gandhi stood for secularism.
• Mahatma Gandhi stood for the truth.
• Mahatma Gandhi stood for simplicity.
• Mahatma Gandhi stood for women empowerment.
• Mahatma Gandhi stood for equality and unity.

That was the era of a different Mahatma Gandhi.

Sadly, times have changed and in these difficult times, there is a ruthless, divisive MG.

• We live in the times of an MG that makes promises and doesn’t keep them.
• This MG spends billions of dollars on advertising campaigns.
• This MG goes on eight foreign trips in six months.
• This MG puts wardrobe before welfare.
• This MG supports crony capitalism.

This MG is the Modi Government.

The government has used the rims of Mahatma Gandhi’s spectacles as the logo of one of their campaigns. But, sadly, this government has failed to live up to the values and ideals championed by our Father of the Nation.

Bad news for States

Sir, MGNREGA was initially implemented in 200 most backward districts and subsequently other 476 districts were included. I ask the Government to make a statement on the floor of the House that they will withdraw the circular that seeks to reduce the number of districts under MGNREGA from 676 to 200.
Dilution of this Scheme is going to hit Karnataka, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh badly. These states, Sir, have a huge rural population. And the vast arid areas of Rajasthan are going to be affected as well. Why is the government restricting this scheme only to 2500 Blocks, Sir? What will happen to the livelihood of the people in other Blocks?

Let Bengal show the way

Sir, in 2012-2013, West Bengal was the top performing State with total man days of 20 crore, which is 109% higher than the national average. And in 2013-2014 the State again exceeded the targets even though the allocation was decreased.
• Sir, Bengal is No. 1 in 100 Days’ Work scheme.
• Bengal is No. 1 in Skill Development.
• Bengal is No. 1 in power sector.
• Bengal is also No. 1 in MSME sector.
• Bengal is No. 1 in women empowerment – our Kanyashree scheme is recognized globally.
• Bengal is No. 1 in culture. Our tableaux got the first prize in Republic Day parade last year.

Sir, all this was achieved despite the State Government paying more than Rs 1 lakh crore as debt installment. This was achieved despite the huge debt burden inherited from the CPI(M). This was achieved in spite of the State not receiving more than Rs 3000 crore for PMGSY or Rs 1000 crore for NREGA.

The funds allocated by Centre should reach States on time. While some States receive their funds on time, apart from an array economic benefits, other States suffer. This has a detrimental effect on the poor people.

Despite financial deprivation by the Centre, Bengal is moving ahead on the course of development. And now, thousands of crores of people will lose their livelihood because of Centre’s decision to divide the NREGA scheme.

Achhe din kahaan hai?

Sir, as per the information in the website on Ministry of Rural Development, over 10 crore households had applied for work under NREGA till November. However, work has been provided to only 8 crore households, leaving almost 3 crore without work.

During the last 8 years around Rs 180000 crore has been paid as wages to the workers, as per Rural Development Ministry. What is the figure during the past six months, since the new Government has taken over how much money has been paid towards wages to the workers under MNREGA? Why are the funds being slashed deliberately?

We should remove the word ‘Guarantee’ from the name of this scheme because, Sir, after this government came to power, not a single day’s wage has been paid. Is this the Achhe Din they talked about? Promises are made but not delivered.

Reduction in allocation

Sir, the Budget provision for NREGA was Rs 33,000 crore in 2013-14 and this year it is Rs 34,000 crore. If we take into account inflation, the allocation is much lower compared to last year. Is the government serious about continuing the scheme or wants to shut it down? Are they here to serve the interests of a chosen few?

My colleague Shankar Prasad Datta said Bengal has received 75 percent of the funds. Sir, I would request him and his party to please get the facts right before they speak. Because in the years 2013-14, Bengal received only Rs 2214 crore and this years only Rs 1072 crore, which is not even 50 percent. Still, we are No.1.

Sir, honourable Hukum Singh Deo spoke on this matter. He said yeh koi bhagwan hai kya jise badla nahi jaa sakta. Sir, hum sab ne Ramayan padha hai. We respect all religions. Sir, when Ravan came to abduct Sita, he came in the disguise of a sadhu. He did not take the form of a rishi-muni to go and serve Sita. Similarly, this government is not working for the welfare of people; yeh sarkar unke pet pe laat mar raha hai.

On one hand, the government is slashing the allocation for MGNREGA, which benefits the poor. On the other hand we see that the State Bank of India is giving away tax payers’ money to crony capitalists in the form of a loan. Sir, I do not want to name it. The SBI has sanctioned a loan of Rs 6000 crore for a coal mine in Australia even after 5 multinational banks have refused it. What times are we living in?

Labour-Material ratio

Sir, I want to raise another important issue – the proposed change in the labour to material ratio. Government is proposing a reduction of labour to material ratio from 60 -40 to 51-49. This change will dilute the employment objective of the scheme without increasing the productivity. This move will have detrimental effects and must be reconsidered.Instead, Sir, we suggest that the government should provide technical assistance and seek expert help in implementing this Scheme in the Gram Panchayat levels. Government in a democracy should be Government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Parting thought

Sir, I would like to end by referring to a tribal-dominated district where the MGNREGA scheme has failed to take off. It is the Aravalli district in Gujarat from where the Prime Minister hails. I have just one direct question for the government. Are they here to work for the welfare of the poor, farmers and downtrodden people of India or are they here to serve the interests of a chosen few?

Sir, six months after the misleading false promises of Achhe din, after 28 eminent economists wrote to the Prime Minister of the country, expressing their concern over the proposed permutation and dilution of the NREGA, it is falling on the ears of the narcissistic, tyrannical government, which is heartless, action-less and visionless.

I am standing here in the highest temple/church/masjid of democracy, in the winter of 2014, with a new acronym for NREGA. Sir, NREGA now is indisputably Nasty Ruthless Endeavour Going Anti-People.

Thank you, Sir.