Mamata calls BJP "Bharatiya Junk Party" Country starring food crisis because of BJP

Mamata calls BJP "Bharatiya Junk Party"

            Country starring food crisis because of BJP

Biswabrata Goswami

Hummingbird News  

RANAGHAT, 11 JAN: Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), calling it a ‘junk party’ for inducting ‘rotten’ leader from other political outfits.

She said: “BJP is the biggest junk party in the country. It's a dustbin party that is filling up its rank and file with corrupt and rotten leaders from other parties.”

“You must have seen some (TMC) leaders switch over to the BJP. They have done it to protect the public money they had looted. The BJP runs the party like a washing machine, where corrupt leaders turn into saints the moment they join them,” she said while addressing a rally at Habibpur in Ranaghat in Nadia today.

She further said, “When leaders attached with Trinamul are called bad while when they switch to the BJP, they are being treated as good leaders. This is BJP party who inducted the rotten leaders who basically help them to save their money they looted”.

She went on to say, the BJP is either buying leaders by offering money or by intimidating them. They are dreaming to capture Bengal by sheltering all odd people like Abol, Tabol, Ulto, Palta, Landa, Bhanda, Anda, Ganda, Akathya, Kukathya, Akalpaniyo, Kukalpaniyo (Miss Banerjee grimaced). “I say you first control Delhi, then think about Bengal”, Miss Banerjee said.

Referring to the ongoing farmers’ agitation, the Trinamul Congress chief said that India is staring at a food crisis due to the BJP’s ‘adamant’ approach towards the three new farm laws.

“The country is staring at a food crisis. If the BJP continues to remain adamant on the farm laws, there will be a food shortage in our country. The farmers are assets of our country and we should not do anything that goes against their interest,” said Miss Banerjee while addressing the rally ahead of 2021 West Bengal Assembly Elections.

She further sought the immediate withdrawal of the three farm laws, as being demanded by farmers agitating at borders of Delhi.

She further drew a parallel between BJP cadres and US President Donald Trump’s supporters, who forced their way inside the US Capitol recently.

“They (Trump) lost the poll, but they continued shouting they had won the poll. The day the BJP loses elections, its cadre and supporters will behave like that,” claimed Miss Banerjee.

She said, “BJP is claiming that they will make the Bengal as Sonar Bangla. But, what things are left to be developed. We have done a lot for the development of the state. Bengal has already been turned into a Sonar Bangla. So, there is no need to make the Bengal as Sonar Bangla”.

Considering the area dominated by Matua community where her party had lost the election, Miss Banerjee said, “A moya bill has been brought to give citizenship. That bill did not come into effect. The Matuas are all citizens. I informed that. Matuas are being misunderstood. There is no need for a new Moya Bill. The Matuas are already citizens. Is it so easy to take away citizenship?”

“I will not allow NRC-NPR. We will not allow human rights to be violated. This is a policy decision of our government. I have made a board for Matua society. I have given 10 crore rupees. I have made a board for Rajbangshi-Kamatapuri-Namashudras”, Miss Banerjee iterated.

She also criticized Center’s Ayushman scheme saying, “Ayushman gives 60 per cent of the centers in India and the remaining 40 per cent to the states. The government will give 100 out of 100 rupees to the health worker under Swastha Swathi scheme. Now tell me which is better? I myself am a health member. Everyone in your house will get treatment with this card.”

At the end, Miss Banerjee said, “Bengali is always the target of their (BJP) attack. Slander is spreading in the name of this state. I say I will give my head, but I will not let Bengal be sold.”

Subhendu slams Mamata Banerjee without taking her name for the first time over outsider issue 

Biswabrata Goswami

Hummingbird News  

HALDIA, 15 DEC: The rebel Trinamul Congress leader, Subhendu Adhikari, today, for the first time slammed Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee without mentioning her name over the insider-outsider debate and said those coming from other states cannot be branded as outsiders, echoing the views of the saffron party.

In Jalpaiguri, Miss Banerjee has asked voters to create a mandate against the “outsider” BJP, claiming that the party is trying to destroy the state with their “divisive politics”. The Trinamul Congress supremo further said that both BJP and RSS are “not the real Hindus” as they only spread hatred.

“Despite doing so much for the people in North Bengal, we have not won a single seat from North Bengal. Why? How come BJP, who came from outside, won all the seats? What was our fault in the last 10 years? The RSS and BJP are trying to take control over Bengal for their vested interest. They are not the real Hindus. They are not Ramakrishna or Vivekananda as they only spread hatred,” said Banerjee while addressing a public rally in Jalpaiguri district today.

Adhikari, who resigned from the cabinet last month and relinquished two administrative posts, was addressing the birth anniversary celebrations of freedom fighter Satish Chandra Samanta at Haldia in East Midnapore.

Speaking at the gathering, he said, “I am first an Indian and then a Bengali.”

Referring to the insider-outsider debate triggered by the TMC leadership to counter the BJP in the next assembly polls, Adhikari said, Bengal is very much a part of India and “people coming from other states can’t be treated as outsiders.”

“Satish Chandra Samanta was a stalwart parliamentarian from Midnapore. Even the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru used to respect him a lot. Neither Satish Chandra Samanta ever called Nehru an outsider nor did Nehru ever brand him as a non-Hindi speaking MP. There was mutual respect,” he said.

Samanta had quit Bengal Engineering College as a student to participate in the freedom struggle. His leadership qualities came to the forefront during the formation of a parallel government named Tamralipta Jatiya Sarkar (Tamrlipta National Government) in Tamluk during the Quit India Movement. After Independence, Samanta was a Member of Parliament for over three decades. Hitting out at the TMC leadership, Adhikari said, “Why should there be a “by the party, for the party of the party” rule in Bengal? This is democracy. We need to restore the rules as per the Indian Constitution which states “by the people, of the people and for the people”... I am not greedy for posts. All my life, I have worked for the masses.”

Senior TMC leaders said in private that Adhikari is specifically unhappy with Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee and election strategist Prashant Kishor who was roped in by the chief minister after the BJP won 18 of the state’s 42 Lok Sabha seats in 2019.

While speaking at the rally, Adhikari made significant remarks saying, “Those who insulted me will face the same fate as Anil Basu, Benoy Konar and Laxman Seth when people cast their votes in a few months.” The three CPI-M leaders he mentioned faced electoral defeat and disciplinary action as well.

“One must remember that the land agitation at Nandigram was a people’s movement and not that of an individual or any party,” Adhikari said at the programme.

He also said that those trying to malign him will get a befitting reply in the 2021 assembly polls.

“There are few people who are trying to malign me by saying I had yearned for posts. I want to tell them that they will get a befitting reply in the next assembly polls,” he said without naming anyone.

Adhikari also said, “I have been attacked 11 times recently. I want to tell my critics that I have people with me and these people have come for the connection I have with them.”

He further said that repeated attacks on him won’t deter him from taking a stand.

Meanwhile it is hearsay that Adhikari is all se to join the BJP during Union Home minister Amit Shah’s visit to the poll-bound state later this week.

There were strong rumours that he would switch over to the saffron camp ever since he challenged the TMC leadership last month and peace talks failed to bridge the differences.

“Adhikari will announce himself when he will join the BJP. The TMC and Prashant Kishor will soon witness many more joining the saffron camp because of the policies being followed by the ruling party,” said Kanishka Panda, an Adhikari aide who was expelled from the TMC two days ago. He was the TMC’s general secretary in East Midnapore.

Hindi Academy plans to promote Hindi language in West Bengal 

         

Soma Mookherjee

City Editor, The Statesman  

KOLKATA, 24 OCT: West Bengal Hindi Academy today discussed various steps to promote Hindi language, literature and culture in West Bengal.

It was decided on the first meeting of reconstituted West Bengal Hindi Academy as directed by the chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

In this meeting, various discussions held to promote Hindi language, literature and culture in West Bengal. 

Mr Vivek Gupta, former Trinamul Rajya Sabha MP stated, “Four points - language, literature, culture and arts – were mainly discussed in the meeting. The members praised chief minister for taking initiative to set up first Hindi University in the state. It was also decided that in near future West Bengal Hindi Academy will stage one act play, organise poetry sessions, conferences on various topics across the state. The Hindi Academy will also focus on Hindi translations of famous Bengali writers and poets.”

Mr Gupta also said important initiatives will be taken to attract and encourage the new generation towards Hindi language.

“A move was also taken to set up a library and a large number of general and public interest books in it,” he said.

“With the co-operation of all the members, the academy will try to reach Hindi-speaking students and intellectuals not only in Kolkata and nearby areas but all over Bengal,” Mr Gupta said. 

Apart from this, the academy will organize discussions on other current topics of literature, language and culture, he said.

Earlier, the chief minister donated Rs five crore for the Hindi Academy.

Mr Dinesh Trivedi, Trinamul Congress Rajya Sabha MP is the chairman of the reconstituted West Bengal Hindi Academy.

To regain Junglemahal, Mamata Banerjee announces jobs for families of those who are still missing due to Maoist insurgency during

To regain Junglemahal, Mamata Banerjee announces jobs for families of those who are still missing due to Maoist insurgency during turbulent times

While interacting with the officials during the meeting, Chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced jobs and financial aid as compensation for families of those who have lost their lives in the attacks by rogue elephants or have gone missing due to Maoist violence in the tribal Junglemahal areas which include West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia in the state.

Biswabrata Goswami

Hummingbird News    

KHARAGPUR, 6 OCT: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, today, convened an administrative meeting with the officials of West Midnapore and took stock of all the projects which she had discussed during her last visit and consequents instructions from Nabanna.

The meeting was held at Kharagpur stadium this afternoon.

The visit of the chief minister was looked upon with great significance by the officials as the assembly election is scheduled within a few months in the next year.

During the meeting, chief minister stressed emphasis on the pending projects and asked the officials and Zilla-parishad to issue tender bids immediately. She also asked the officials to give pace in implementing the government’s Mati Srishti projects where thousands of acres of barren lands would be converted to fertile lands.   

While interacting with the officials during the meeting, Chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced jobs and financial aid as compensation for families of those who have lost their lives in the attacks by rogue elephants or have gone missing due to Maoist violence in the tribal Junglemahal areas which include West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia in the state.

“We have seen every year several people died in attacks by elephants in the Junglemahal especially in Jhargram district. We have taken a policy to give jobs to the families of those who died in attacks by elephants. We will provide Special Home Guard jobs to the families of the victims besides the compensation to the tune of Rs 2.5 lakhs”, Miss Banerjee said while addressing the meeting.

While speaking at the meeting, she also announced that one member from each family who are still missing due to Maoist violence in the tribal Junglemahal area for more than a decade will be provided with financial compensation of Rs 4 lakh and a job in the special home guard force.

The tribal dominated Junglemahal had witnessed a fierce Maoist insurgency during 2008 to 2011 when hundreds of people and Maoist activists were killed and the Center had to deploy para-military forces to combat Maoists.

Remembering the situation, Miss Banerjee also announced that a total of 4284 junior constables who had performed extra-ordinary services to combat Maoist insurgency during those times and brought peace in the Junglemahal area, have been promoted to constable posts. She said 1023 junior constables have been selected from West Midnapore, 848 from Jhargram, 1142 from Purulia and 1271 from Bankura for promotion.

Kashi Kanta Moitra passes away at 95, Mamata Banerjee condoles the demise of nonagenarian

Biswabrata Goswami

Hummingbird News 

KRISHNAGAR, 29 AUG: Renowned lawyer and politician Kashi Kanta Moitra died in Kolkata on Saturday. He was 95-years-old.

He was the father of late Dr Subrata Moitra who died a few years ago.

He was born on 17 February, 1925.

Condoling his death Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: “Saddened by the death of veteran lawyer and politician Kashi Kanta Moitra. He was an MLA from Krishnanagar and Krishnanagar East Assembly constituencies. His death will create a void in Bengal politics.” Recalling her long association with Moitra she tweeted: “I had a long association with him and he had great affection for me.”

Kashikanta Maitra was the son of Late Pandit Lakshmi Kanta Maitra who was the member of the Constituent Assembly and was one of the most respected persons of Krishnanagar.

In 1945, he was the General secretary of All Bengal Students Bloc of Forward Bloc. He was a Masters in Economics and held an LLB degree.

He had practiced in the Calcutta High Court and was a very good orator. He won the assembly elections of 1962 & 1967 (as a Praja Socialist Party candidate) and after that in 1969, 1971, 1972 and 1977.

In 1971, he was the minister of Small-Scale Industries, Fish & Animal Husbandry, Food & Milk Diary under Chief Minister Ajoy Mukherjee and in 1972, he was the Food, Milk Diary & Sundarban Development Minister under Chief Minister Siddhartha Shankar Roy.

He resigned before the completion of his term. He was the leader of opposition in West Bengal Assembly representing the Janata Party during the chief minister of late Jyoti Basu.

He was a known as critique of Marxism. Some of the books written by him are : Leninbad - Tatve o proyoge, Marx O Samajtantra, Trade Union O Samajtantra, Ganatantra Mukhos O Mukhasree, Marxbad - Krishak O Krishiniti, Subhasbad - A small treatise etc.

Santipur Puran Parishad had honoured him with the title of Pragyanacharya, a few years ago.

With his demise, an era has ended today.

Mamata Banerjee announces major rejig in TMC ahead of 2021 Bengal polls, includes ex-Maoist in the state committee

Mamata Banerjee announces major rejig in TMC ahead of 2021 Bengal polls, includes ex-Maoist in the state committee

  

                   

Biswabrata Goswami

Hummingbird News

KRISHNAGAR, 23 JULY: Ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls, West Bengal chief minister and Trinamul Congress suprimo Mamata Banerjee, today, made a major rejig in her party’s organizational posts.

With this announcement all the incumbent district units stands dissolved with immediate effect. Also, all other ad-hoc appointments done at district level and below stands absolved with immediate effect.

The newly appointed district office bearers shall form district, block and other relevant committees for their respective districts in consultation with the state coordination committee and share the same with the convener of the state coordination committee within seven days for approval of the chairperson of the party.

Spiralling protests over Amphan relief fund irregularities had already plagued the state’s incumbent formation with many senior-level leaders in the districts getting embroiled in the controversy. Be it distribution of food grains and tarpaulin in cyclone-ravaged pockets of Sunderbans or inclusion of ghost names in the list of beneficiaries – Trinamul Congress’ name cropped up almost everywhere.

To troubleshoot the party’s image in run up to the next year’s elections, Miss Banerjee made a number of changes in the Trinamul Congress from its core committee members to district presidents.

Announcing a major rejig, the West Bengal CM gave more priorities to younger and new faces in the party’s forefront that are relatively clean as far as their political image is concerned. She announced a new state committee with 21 members in it and a seven-member steering committee of the state coordination committee that included names of Abhishek Banerjee, Subhendu Adhikari, Partha Chatterjee, Subrata Bakshi (convenor), Firhad Hakim, Kalyan Banerjee and Shanta Chetri.

Besides this, the presidents of several districts including Howrah, Coochbehar, Purulia, Nadia, Jhargram and South Dinajpur were also removed.

New and younger faces such as Laxmi Ratan Shukla in Howrah, Mahua Moitra in Nadia, Dulal Murmu in Jhargram, Gurupad Tudu in Purulia and Shyamal Santra in Bankura have been given charge of the districts.

Interestingly, former People’s Committee against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) leader from Maoist-hit Lalgarh Chatradhar Mahato was included in the Trinamul state committee along with Churamoni Mahato and Sukumar Hnasda. Mahato was a prominent ultra-Left leader who gained prominence following the Salboni blast in November 2008. In 2020 he joined Trinamul Congress after being released from jail recently.

Sources in the party said that giving importance to Mahato at the state level can turn out to be Mamata’s political masterstroke ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls. Mahato who was convicted under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in 2015, will help Mamata to control the dreaded western region of Bengal known as Junglemahal – an imaginary belt now comprising four districts of Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram and West Midnapore.