Minority Communities are Being Targeted: Mamata
TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also asserted that the party would continue its political battle against the BJP despite the electoral setback
Kolkata: The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Tuesday announced protests across Kolkata and nearby areas on May 21 against the alleged eviction of hawkers and what it described as the “bulldozer culture” being implemented by the newly-formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal.
According to the party, demonstrations will take place at Howrah Station, Sealdah Station and near Ballygunge, where party leaders and workers are expected to protest against the alleged targeting of hawkers and minority communities.
The protests come amid heightened political tensions in the state following the recent Assembly election results, in which the BJP secured 207 seats, ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in West Bengal. The TMC won 80 seats in the elections.
Addressing party MLAs during a meeting in Kalighat on Tuesday, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee alleged that minority communities and hawkers were being targeted under the BJP-led administration.
“Minority communities are being targeted here. Hawkers’ stalls are bulldozed. This government is tampering with our constitutional ideas and values. BJP will be removed from power in Delhi in the coming days,” Banerjee said.
TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also asserted that the party would continue its political battle against the BJP despite the electoral setback.
Speaking to party legislators, Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP leadership in the state and said the party would not be intimidated. “Let them do whatever they want... raze down my home, send notice ... I won't bow down over these things. Come what may, my fight will continue against the BJP,” he said.
The remarks come after an FIR was registered against Abhishek Banerjee at the Bidhannagar North Cyber Crime Police Station for allegedly making inflammatory statements during election rallies in West Bengal.
According to the complaint filed on May 15 by Rajib Sarkar, Banerjee allegedly delivered provocative speeches during rallies in Maheshtala, Arambagh, Haringhata and Nandigram, which could incite violence and disturb public order. The complaint also referred to remarks made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and comments related to DJs.
The FIR stated that the speeches were circulated through Banerjee’s official Facebook account, “Abhishek Banerjee Official,” and other social media platforms. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking intervention over alleged incidents of post-poll violence reported from different parts of West Bengal following the election results.
According to the petition, incidents of arson, vandalism and attacks on TMC workers and party offices were reported in several districts, including Kolkata and Howrah. The plea has sought protection for affected party workers and a proper investigation into the alleged violence.
On May 14, Mamata Banerjee arrived at the Calcutta High Court wearing lawyer’s robes to appear before Chief Justice HC Sujoy Paul in connection with the PIL.
The BJP and TMC have continued to trade allegations over clashes and vandalism reported from various parts of the state after the election results. TMC leaders have alleged that several party workers were killed and have demanded a court-monitored probe into the violence.
