State chief minister and Trinamul Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged people to take a pledge not to allow anyone to destroy the rich culture, heritage of Bengal and protest against implementation of NRC and arbitrary cancellation of Aadhaar cards at the Janagorjan Sabha on 10 March. The Trinamul Congress is organising the Janagorjan Sabha (Roar of the Masses) rally on Sunday at the Brigade Parade ground.
Miss Banerjee, in a video message, urged people “to raise their voice against the arbitrary decisions of BJP loudly so that it could be heard from Delhi.” She said: “A heinous conspiracy is being hatched to demolish the rich culture and tradition of Bengal. Bengal took a leading role in the freedom movement and social reforms started here.
Bengal has welcomed people coming from different castes, creeds and religions. We firmly believe religion is individual but festival is for all. But they are trying to destroy our social fabric by introducing divisive politics in Bengal.” She added: “We will fight back. We will fight it out and win the battle.
I urge those who love Bengal to come together and foil any attempt to destroy the culture of Bengal.” Asserting that it would be a historic rally, Miss Banerjee said despite repeated requests the Centre did not release the funds meant for various projects. The job card holders under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme did not get their money and the state government took the intitiative to clear their dues.
The state government has also decided to construct 11.36 lakh houses of rural poor if the Centre does not clear the funds for the Centrally sponsored housing scheme by April. “They have not cleared the dues meant for rural roads and other projects. They have not cleared the dues deliberately and we will fight it,” Miss Banerjee said. “Bengal’s patience & courtesy should NOT be mistaken for its weakness. The Bohiragoto Jomidars must be reminded of this on March 10.
The #JonogorjonSabha at Brigade Ground this Sunday will be a historic event on the land that has always fought for its rights. Join us as we lead the people’s movement for Bengal’s secure future. Bengal will show the way,” the Chief Minister posted on microblogging site X along with the video message. The Trinamul Congress has held a series of meetings across the state to make Sunday’s rally at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata a grand success. The party workers have been asked to reach the venue by 11 a.m.
The party has taken steps to inform people about the step motherly attitude of the Centre. Miss Banerjee along with other MPs had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to clear the dues. She also took part in a dharna on the issue, but so far there has been no positive response from the Centre.