New Delhi (Agency): In a fervent display of defiance, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee affirmed her belief that the I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance) will triumph over the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) in the 2024 elections. Her rallying cry, ‘Jeetaga Bharat,’ communicates her resolution to prioritise the “alliance’s victory” over individual ambitions.
Banerjee remained critical of the central government’s handling of the crisis in Manipur, casting doubt on the effectiveness of BJP’s ‘Beti Bachao’ scheme, which she asserts has morphed into ‘Beti Jalao’ (Burn our daughters). She questioned the central government’s apparent neglect of Manipur, despite ethnic conflicts claiming over 160 lives.
The I.N.D.I.A alliance unites 26 political parties under a common banner, and this united front is a source of joy for Banerjee. She said, “We don’t care about any post; we only want peace in our nation and BJP to be ousted.”
With an air of foreboding, she warned that should the BJP return to power in 2024, it could be detrimental to the nation’s democracy. She commended the 26 political parties for forming the I.N.D.I.A, an alliance devised to defeat the BJP.
During the party’s annual Martyrs’ Day rally, Banerjee expressed solidarity with the people of Manipur, condemning the ‘Beti Jalao’ initiative. She further alleged that the situation of women under the BJP government is reflected in the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
She called out the BJP-led central government as ‘merchants of terror’ for their inconsistent response to state crises, and questioned why central teams were sent to Bengal but not to Manipur amid the ongoing strife.
Banerjee also critiqued the Prime Minister’s response to the Manipur violence, accusing him of ‘whataboutery’ instead of outright condemnation. She highlighted issues such as the rise in prices, and harassment of women, Dalits, minorities, and STs.
In conclusion, Banerjee warned that despite the potential for increased harassment from central agencies following the successful Martyrs Day rally, the party will not be discouraged from its fight against the BJP.