Tag: 2019 elections TMC

TMC Postpones Outreach Campaign Programme Due to Coronavirus

The ‘Banglar Gorbo Mamata’ programme is aimed at getting the party battle-ready for the upcoming civic polls.

Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress on Thursday postponed its new public outreach campaign “Banglar Gorbo Mamata” (Bengal’s pride Mamata), for the time being in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The TMC leadership in a tweet announced the decision to defer the programme, which was announced by party supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on March 2.

“In view of the #COVID19, the party has decided to postpone the field outreach activities of the @BanglarGorboMB (BGM) Campaign until further communication. We request every one to take all the necessary precautions and stay safe,” the party said in a tweet.

Also read: In Rare Move, Supreme Court Invokes Plenary Power to Remove Manipur Minister

The BGM mass outreach programme is aimed at connecting with more than 2.5 crore people and get the party battle-ready for the upcoming civic polls and the 2021 Assembly elections.

Over 75,000 party leaders, big and small, and five lakh party cadres were to fan out across the state during the 75-day programme that kicked off on March 2 and was scheduled to conclude on May 10.

In the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, political parties across the board have suspended activities in West Bengal and have asked their activists to take precautions.

They have also been told to generate awareness among people to prevent the spread of the disease.

Central Agencies Threatening TMC Leaders, Asking Them to Join BJP: Mamata

“The BJP is offering Rs 2 crore and a petrol pump to our MLAs to switch over,” the TMC chief alleged.

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday alleged that Central agencies are threatening TMC leaders and elected representatives with prison in chit fund scam cases if they don’t get in touch with the BJP.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, addressing the Martyrs’ Day rally here, also said the party will launch a state-wide protest on July 26, demanding return of black money “siphoned off” by the BJP.

“Central agencies are threatening our leaders and elected representatives over chit fund scams, asking them to get in touch with the BJP or face prison,” Banerjee said.

Also read: Several TMC Members to Join BJP Soon: Mukul Roy

The chief minister accused the saffron party of luring TMC MLAs with money and other perks.

“The BJP is offering Rs 2 crore and a petrol pump to our MLAs to switch over… Just like in Karnataka, the BJP is indulging in horse trading everywhere,” Banerjee alleged.

She said the BJP government at the Centre would not last for “more than two years”, considering the way it is functioning.

“Credit for the smooth conduct of Parliament goes to opposition parties, not those in power,” the TMC chief said.

Interview | ‘BJP’s Hindutva Hasn’t Worked In Bengal, TMC Will Likely Improve Its Tally’

In conversation with TMC’s Dinesh Trivedi about BJP’s twin poll plank of nationalism and security, the changing face of Indian politics, the likelihood of a post-poll alliance in the state and more.

Dinesh Trivedi of the Trinamool Congress, who served as the railway minister during the first tenure of the United Progressive Alliance government, is currently eyeing a third consecutive term in the Lok Sabha.

In Barrackpore, the constituency Trivedi represents and which went to polls on May 6, he was up against Arjun Singh – who defected to the BJP after being denied a TMC ticket. Winning from the constituency has thus become a matter of prestige for the TMC and the BJP.

The Wire caught up with Trivedi as he was on his way to meet the police observer at Barasat district headquarters.

Edited excerpts of the interview:

You have represented Barrackpore two consecutive times. Do you find the 2019 election to be different in any way from the previous ones?

I have been in politics since 1984, but I have never seen such negativity. I couldn’t imagine that the political narrative would descend to such low levels. I have seen political leaders who were concerned solely about the country. We are not saints, but we never brought politics to this gutter level.

At a recent poll rally, Narendra Modi said: “Your (Rahul Gandhi) father’s life ended as Bhrashtachari No 1”.

The comment saddens me. The honorable prime minister of India, also my prime minister, is abusing Rajiv Gandhi just for petty politics. I should remind the prime minister that Rajiv Gandhi died a martyr, and will be remembered as one. We fought with Rajiv on Bofors. The controversy, though, did not lead anywhere.

 

Dinesh Trivedi. Credit: Twitter

Atal Bihar Vajpayee, in one of his books, wrote how Rajiv Gandhi – after the Congress’s landslide victory in 1984 – sent Atal ji to the UN. Rajiv Gandhi knew about Atal ji’s kidney problem and that he needed good treatment. Atal ji later said, ‘My life was saved by Rajiv Gandhi.’

That was the kind of politics back then. Look where we are today.

How do you view the BJP’s twin poll plank of nationalism and security?

The BJP is blatantly using the armed forces to seek votes. The party’s leaders are using terms like “Modi ki Sena” and what not. Are we North Korea? We are a fantastic, thriving democracy. Our forces are professional. By harping on the India-Pakistan narrative, the BJP is lowering India’s image. Pakistan is not a reference point in the discourse. India doesn’t deserve this.

Pakistan wants a weak India, a weak Kashmir. Pakistan wants our Hindus and Muslims to fight each other. The BJP, unfortunately, is doing just that by carrying on with the Pakistan agenda. For a thousand years, the Mughals, Afghans and the British tried to divide India. But the BJP has done more harm in the last five years that all of them put together.

There will be winners and losers in any election. But at no point should we tarnish the image of this great nation. The BJP is sullying the image of India, the image of Hindus.

Also read: In West Bengal, the BJP’s Ambition Outweighs Its Capacity

Today, because of the BJP, the Hindus have to prove they are Hindus, that they are patriots. The BJP is using Lord Ram as an election agent whereas Lord Ram resides in every individual. Ram is not only in Ayodhya, Ram is everywhere. But the BJP wants people to exhibit Ram. With nothing else to talk about, the party is ratcheting up these issues.

Media is focusing a lot on Barrackpore because of Arjun Singh’s last-minute switch to the BJP. How difficult is the fight this time?

I don’t entirely agree with the media attention on Barrackpore. The people’s choice here is simple and easy. They need to choose between development and mafia raj. People of Barrackpore know that the BJP candidate switched camps because Mamata denied him a ticket. We stand for education, healthcare, development and peace. Mafias have no place in Barrackpore. I feel the common people are treating this election as their own.

So, you are saying that Arjun Singh’s defection to the BJP won’t harm the TMC in Barrackpore?

I believe his exit from the party is hugely helping the TMC. If he didn’t leave the party, he would have, I’m sure, sabotaged the polls. He did so in 2014. Bhatpara is the only assembly constituency in Barrackpore which I lost by 2,600 votes.

Even the local BJP guys I speak with don’t like him (Arjun Singh), and they want him to lose. Modi talks of dynasty politics all the time. But the BJP has nominated Arjun Singh’s son as its candidate in the Bhatpara assembly by-poll. This has virtually pushed the BJP out of the contest.

There is no guarantee that (Arjun Singh) is going to stick around in the BJP in the future – which is the case with people who overnight switch political allegiance for personal gains. I am not saying this, it’s the local BJP supporters who are saying so. People of Barrackpore are not with Arjun Singh.

Recently, in Bhatpara municipality (part of Arjun Singh’s assembly constituency), the board successfully executed a no-confidence motion against him. The councillors who defeated him were his own men, even then they didn’t support him. This shows the BJP’s position in Barrackpore.

The BJP, no doubt, has grown as a political party in Bengal. As a TMC veteran, how much will this factor impact the election?

I don’t think the BJP is going to gain too much in Bengal. Our internal assessment reveals that they are going to lose Asansol and Darjeeling, which they won last time. The BJP’s expansion signalling a shift of votes from the Left to the BJP is a cause for concern. I feel Mamata will improve her tally this time because the bottom line is that the BJP’s Hindutva hasn’t worked in Bengal. The party could perhaps improve its vote share here and there, but that will not translate into seats.

The BJP, through various media outlets, has created the myth that it’s set to make inroads in Bengal. With all due respect to the Delhi media, not all, but many have no idea of the ground reality. They go by the whisper campaigning of the RSS and the BJP. I am not blaming the entire media fraternity, but a section of the media has become agents of the BJP.

Also read: Why West Bengal Won’t Compensate BJP for Hindi Heartland Losses

West Bengal is likely to play a crucial role in case a coalition government is formed. How do you view such a possibility?

Mamata is going to play a pivotal role in India. People of Bengal want to see the state playing a significant role at the Centre so that the development of Bengal and of India goes hand-in-hand. When Mamata took charge, ending 34 years of Left rule, Bengal was bankrupt. Slowly with conviction and determination, she has tried to rebuild Bengal. Progress and development led by the TMC government are now visible everywhere in the state.

We have got over 30 schemes, Kanyashree being the flagship. A lot of work has been done by this government. A lot still needs to be done. From demonetisation to GST implementation, Mamata is the only person who has taken Modi on with conviction. She is not scared of anybody. The Centre tried its best to intimidate her with all the Central agencies it has at its command but failed.

Is TMC in touch with the other regional parties to consider a post-poll alliance scenario?

Yes, definitely. The party’s top leadership is monitoring developments across the country. Regional parties will play the most crucial role in deciding who forms the next government at the Centre. Right now, our primary objective is to defeat the BJP.

Do you think Mamata Banerjee is eyeing the prime minister’s chair?

What I gather is that she is not looking for any chair or position. She is fighting an ideological battle in Bengal. Her primary aim is to oust the BJP from the Centre. She is a decisive leader who wants democracy restored, federal structure fixed and institutions empowered. She single-handedly solved the Darjeeling dispute, the Jangalmahal issue. She is willing to work together with the other leaders and form a strong government at the Centre. But right now, the priority is to defeat the BJP.

Himadri Ghosh is a Kolkata-based journalist.

West Bengal: Clashes Disrupt Polling, Babul Supriyo’s Car Vandalised

According to reports, union minister Babul Supriyo had a tiff with polling officials inside a booth, following which TMC supporters attacked his vehicle.

Kolkata: Violence marred the first few hours of polling in West Bengal, where the fourth phase of elections is underway in eight Lok Sabha constituencies.

According to senior election official, clashes broke out between the supporters of rival parties in Nanoor, Rampurhat, Nalhati and Siuri areas of Birbhum seat, injuring several people on the two sides.

In Dubrajpur area of the constituency, voters allegedly engaged in a scuffle with the Central forces when they were barred from entering the booths with mobile phones.

Security personnel reportedly opened fire in the air to control the mob, following which polling was stalled in the booths, the official said.

The state election office has also received reports of violence from Jemua and Barabani areas of Bardhaman East constituency, he maintained.

“In Barabani, BJP candidate and Central minister minister Babul Supriyo’s vehicle was vandalised allegedly by TMC workers outside a polling station, while in Jemua, voters fled from a polling station after being threatened by miscreants,” he told PTI.

According to reports, Supriyo had a tiff with polling officials inside a booth, following which TMC supporters attacked his vehicle.

“Polling was peaceful in the first two hours. However, news of clashes started surfacing thereafter. We have sought reports from each of these places. Our officials are monitoring the situation and taking proper measures to conduct the election in a free and fair manner,” he said.

In Birbhum constituency, the Election Commission has show-caused BJP candidate Dudh Kumar Mondal after he was seen talking over a mobile phone inside a polling booth, just before casting his ballot, the official said, adding that the presiding officer of the station has been removed.

Notably, the poll panel has put TMC’s Birbhum president Anubrata Mondal under scanner after poll workers complained that they feel “threatened” by his presence.

A total of 1,34,56,491 electorate is set decide the fate of 68 candidates Monday in the eight constituencies – Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat (SC), Burdwan East (SC), Burdwan-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur (SC) and Birbhum.

The EC has deployed 580 companies of Central forces to man over 98% of the polling booths in these constituencies to ensure free and fair polling.

Mamata Banerjee Names TMC Lok Sabha Candidates; Women Have 41% Share

The Trinamool Congress chief said that her party’s sole focus was to oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power.

New Delhi: On Tuesday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced her party’s list of 42 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with 41% of them being women.

Banerjee claimed that her party, which is contesting all seats in the state and has dropped ten sitting MPs, was determined to oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power. She added that she wished to campaign in Varanasi, which is Modi’s constituency.

“There are some new candidates this time and some former candidates will not contest. We have fielded about 41% women candidates this time, which is a record in itself… We want to win all 42 seats and our challenge is to remove Modi from power,” she said, while maintaining that those who have been dropped from the list would be drafted for party work.”

The TMC will also contest elections from Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa and the Andamans, she said.

Also read: BJD to Reserve 33% Seats for Women in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections

Banerjee used the announcement to target the Centre on a range of issues such as rising unemployment, alleged corruption surrounding the Rafale deal and distress faced by the country’s farmers. She even claimed that “VVIPs” were using helicopters and chartered flights to transport money in order to bribe voters.

Regarding the Darjeeling seat, which was previously won by the BJP, she announced that her party had struck an alliance with the Binay Tamang-led faction of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM).

“GJM leader Amar Singh Rai will contest the election from Darjeeling on a TMC ticket. He will quit his party and join TMC to contest the polls,” she said.

Banerjee announced the candidature of two Tollywood actresses – Nushrat Jahan and Mimi Chakraborty – for the Basirhat and Jadavpur seats. In addition, state panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee will contest the elections, she said.

“Moon Moon Sen will be our candidate from Asansol (previously won by BJP’s Babul Supriyo) and Satabdi Roy from Birbhum,” she said. Uma Soren, Subrata Bakshi, Sandhya Roy, Idris Ali, among others, will not be fielded this time.

Polling in West Bengal will be held over seven phases, beginning on April 11, the Election Commission announced on Sunday. The counting of votes for all seats will take place on May 23.

Banerjee, highlighting the share that women had in her party’s nominations, said that the TMC had reserved 35% of seats for female candidates in the past too.

On Sunday, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik had struck a similar note, saying that his party, the Biju Janata Dal, would field 33% women among its candidates for the polls.