Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized that the INDIA bloc's choice not to form a government today does not preclude a potential claim tomorrow. Highlighting the alliance's unity, she mentioned alliances with leaders like TDP's Chandrababu Naidu and JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar, affirming their friendship.
Banerjee addressed Trinamool Congress's 29 new MPs at her Kalighat residence on Saturday, where she also critiqued the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, predicting the NDA government might not endure even 15 days.
Banerjee expressed that if she were in Modi’s position, she wouldn't attempt to form the next government. "We are observing the situation closely. We'll be pleased if this unstable, tottering, and ineffective government, which offers nothing to the people, steps down swiftly and starts their meditations and penance. INDIA will uphold its promises to the people," she stated.
She also confirmed that Trinamool Congress would not attend Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in Delhi on Sunday, citing a lack of invitation. "Na eshche na jabeh (no invite has come, neither will anyone go). This government is undemocratic, unconstitutional, and illegal... I cannot wish them well. My wishes are for the people and the country… let us hope for the best. People did not vote for them." She further suggested that Modi should have vacated the PM’s chair for another leader following such a significant defeat.
The CM backed INDIA bloc partners on multiple issues, echoing Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of a "stock market scam." She announced that a Trinamool delegation, led by Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien, would visit Haryana to support the state’s farmers. Banerjee also extended an invitation to INDIA alliance partners to hold meetings in Bengal, saying, "If they want to organize any meeting in Kolkata, I welcome all of them."
During the Kalighat meeting on Saturday, a resolution was passed expressing gratitude to 'Ma Mati Manush.' Banerjee thanked both supporters and non-supporters, underscoring that voting is a personal choice, but hoping for continued peace and unity in Bengal. She also praised "giant-killer Yusuf Pathan" for defeating Congress state chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Behrampore and expressed initial concerns over the victories of Mahua Moitra (Krishnanagar) and Rachna Banerjee (Hooghly).
She accused the Election Commission of manipulating results in favor of the BJP in certain constituencies, particularly in East Midnapore, where she claimed there was significant malpractice. She lamented that only one of the 12 women candidates from her party, Sujata Mondal in Bishnupur, lost due to EC’s machinations by a narrow margin of 5,567 votes.
Banerjee outlined Trinamool's primary demands from the new central government, including the repeal of NRC and the reinstatement of district magistrate's authority to investigate and grant citizenship based on appeals. She also called for the immediate clearance of state dues by the Centre. "Do not consider us weak. Trinamool is the third largest party. In Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha we have 42 MPs," she asserted.
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