West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday reiterated her opposition to the central-led BJP’s agenda, claiming that she will not allow the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens, and the Uniform Civil Code in the state.
Addressing a public gathering at Red Road on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, she warned of people who will attempt to “engineer riots” during elections and urged attendees not to succumb to such provocations.
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“We will not accept the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, National Register of Citizens and Uniform Civil Code. We will not accept any forcible implementation of these. I do not know how to hate people. I do not deliver hate speeches. I want everybody to live like brothers, in peace and harmony. If we will live unitedly, nobody will be able to cause harm to us. Do not let anybody break this unity,” Banerjee said.
“Till I am alive, nobody will be able to cause harm to you. I will keep fighting them. I have learnt from you people not fearing death, but it’s the other way round,” she added.
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Banerjee also slammed the saffron party alleging the use of central probe agencies to intimidate and ‘scare’ opposition as elections draw near. She further promised to fight against such tactics and affirmed protection of the country’s unity, rejecting any oppression of the opposition.
“A few people want that during this election to scare people in the name of agencies. Drive the CBI, ED, Income Tax, and NIA after them. I will tell them (BJP) to construct a jail and put everyone behind the bars. But will you be able to put the entire population of 130 crores in jail? I am ready to give blood for the country, but not ready to allow this torture go on,” she said.
Banerjee, without mentioning names, alleged that certain unidentified individuals were contacting specific Muslim leaders with offers as elections drew near. “Today, during this election time, you are selecting and calling chosen Muslim people asking them what they want… I tell you they do not want anything,” she elaborated.
Asserting peace and brotherhood among different communities in Bengal, she claimed that her party will continue to fight against the BJP. “We are in West Bengal with your blessings. Remember it’s the TMC who is fighting against the BJP. We will decide about the INDIA bloc later. But in Bengal, please see that no vote goes to any other party,” she said.