Shruti Suman
Speaking to TMC supporters at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief of Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Chief Minister of West Bengal, took a swipe at the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), addressing various issues, including their association with ‘saffronization.’ Banerjee strongly criticized the BJP, stating that they shouldn’t ‘appropriate’ the color saffron, as it symbolizes ‘tyagis’ (those who sacrifice), while they are ‘bhogis’ (indulgent). She also questioned the expulsion of Mahua Moitra, claiming it was a premeditated move.
Saffron, the Color of Sacrifice, Not Indulgence: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee lambasted the BJP for incorporating the color saffron into their election campaigns. She asserted, “Saffron is the color of ‘tyagis,’ but you are ‘bhogis’.” Banerjee also alleged an active effort to “saffronize” the country, extending from metro railway stations to the cricket team. She claimed that the cricket players resisted, resulting in the Indian cricket team not wearing the saffron practice jersey during matches.
TMC Chief’s Perspective on Mahua Moitra’s Expulsion
Mamata Banerjee commented on the controversy surrounding MP Mahua Moitra for the first time, stating that the planned expulsion of the MP is a strategic move that will benefit her in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. She mentioned that “Central agencies targeting all opposition leaders at present will definitely turn their attention to the BJP after the 2024 elections” while addressing party workers.
India’s World Cup Loss Blamed on ‘Sinners’ by West Bengal CM
In addition to criticizing the BJP for the use of saffron and addressing the Mahua Moitra controversy, Mamata Banerjee held the ruling party responsible for India’s loss in the World Cup. She claimed, “The Indian cricket team won all matches in the World Cup except the one attended by ‘sinners’.” The TMC chief also contended that India would have won if the World Cup final had taken place in Kolkata or Mumbai rather than Ahmedabad.
Banerjee further asserted that the BJP aims to eliminate reservations and declared her opposition to it. She added, “The BJP is also against reservations for minorities, but we will include them in the system through the OBC quota.”
‘Modi Government Has Three More Months’: Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee expressed her belief that the Modi government has only three more months in power and criticized the central government for the state of the country’s economy. Pointing out the high unemployment rate, she stated, “The banking sector is in a dire state, and PSUs are being sold.” She challenged the BJP on allegations of cow smuggling to Bangladesh through West Bengal, asking, “Cows for smuggling to Bangladesh come from different states, including UP. Who takes a cut there?” The chief minister highlighted West Bengal’s emergence as an investment destination and noted, “All major IT companies are investing in Kolkata’s ‘Silicon Valley’ project.”
