Didi Slams Modi for Attacking JU, Warns BJP
CM defends Jadavpur University, warns BJP against “undermining Bengal”
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tore into Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday for allegedly vilifying Jadavpur University over anti-nationalism. The Trinamul Congress supremo also warned the BJP of a befitting reply for trying to loot people's voting rights.
Banerjee, who campaigned in three constituencies, including Bhowanipore, asked the PM, “Is this the way you describe the meritorious students of JU? Is this your concept of decorum and courtesy? JU has been receiving top ranks from your government’s NIRF ranking framework year after year and you descend to insult that very centre of excellence? You stoop so low!”
Backing the students, the CM observed, “They have earned their place through merit and walk out with degrees, with intellect, with the ability to question. That is not anarchy. That is education and that is excellence. Anarchy is not students raising their voices. Anarchy is using bulldozers as instruments of power instead of justice. Anarchy is when farmers die and their voices are crushed.”
She pointed out, “Anarchy is when those convicted of rape and other heinous crimes walk free for political convenience. Anarchy is denying the poor their rightful dues. Anarchy is dividing a nation along religious lines for votes. Anarchy is refusing to face the press, refusing accountability, refusing questions. Anarchy is refusing to acknowledge that Manipur is burning, but you are busy with elections.”
The TMC chief added, “Students protesting do not constitute a breakdown of democracy. It is democracy in motion. Please do not defame the educational institution which was inspired by our early nationalists including Sri Aurobindo as a pioneer. Please do not defame Bengal.”
Sending a message to BJP, she earlier stated, “Those who believe they can run Bengal from Delhi, dictate its politics, divide its people, and distort its culture are deeply mistaken. This land has a long memory and a stronger spine.”
Banerjee noted, “Those sitting in Delhi, plotting to snatch Bengal’s rights and impose their agenda, should understand it clearly that the people of Bengal are watching, and they will respond through their vote. Every attempt to undermine Bengal will be met with a decisive democratic pushback. This election is about resisting a systematic attempt to weaken Bengal and control it.”
