Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of targeting Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders and workers, and declared that the ruling party will have to “kill” her if it wants to silence her or end TMC.
In a video message, Banerjee broke her silence on the recent rebellions within the party and alleged harassment of TMC leaders, saying the BJP has left no stone unturned in its attempts to intimidate the party.
“To silence me, you have to kill me,” Banerjee said. “Yes, she left no stone unturned.”
The TMC chief alleged that many party leaders faced attacks and humiliation, and named senior leaders including Mahua Moitra, Abhishek Banerjee and Kalyan Banerjee.
“Who did you not assault? You attacked Mahua, Abhishek and Kalyan. You attacked my house,” she said.
These statements come at a time when TMC is facing its biggest internal challenge in years. A dissident camp led by Ritabrata Banerjee claimed the support of around 60 MLAs. Meanwhile, at least 20 rebel legislators have merged with a little-known Tripura-based party, the National Congress of Trade Unions (NCPI).
“My colleagues in prisons… children do not get eggs.”
Banerjee also alleged that many of her party colleagues were subjected to inhumane treatment while in detention.
“Many of my cellmates are suffering in cells, forced to sleep on the bare floor. Some are paraded with ropes around their waists and shackles on their legs; others have had their heads shaved; others have vile objects thrown at them. It is shameful to even mention that,” she said.
Banerjee stressed that despite what she described as attempts to suppress the party, the TMC will continue its political battle and will not be intimidated.
Reacting to the BJP government in West Bengal’s decision to replace eggs with vegetarian alternatives in midday meals in selected government schools under a pilot project, Banerjee accused the ruling party of ignoring pressing public welfare issues.
“Children don’t get eggs in their mid-day meals. And yet, you are busy with such antics. This was never the culture of Bengal. We too were in power for 15 years. But I never made the police carry out such acts,” she said, alleging that the government is prioritizing political vendetta over the needs of school children.
“The cooks and helpers involved in the mid-day meal programme, are also in a dire condition,” Banerjee added.
