Declaring an all-out battle against the BJP-led central government over its demonetisation move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today announced the launch of ‘Modi Hatao Desh Bachao (Remove Modi to save the country)’ campaign in all districts of West Bengal from January 1.
Describing the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes as the “biggest scam” in post-independent India, the Trinamool Congress supremo said, “Demonetisation has caused economic famine throughout the state. People have lost confidence in the central government and in the banking sector. Hence, we give the call of ‘Modi hatao desh bachao’ to the people of India.”
“The country is not safe in his leadership. On the slogan of Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao we will have campaigns across the state at booth level. The campaign will start on January 1 and will continue till January 8,” she said after a meeting with party functionaries at TMC headquarters.
The Trinamool Congress celebrates January 1 as TMC Foundation Day.
Banerjee also gave directions to her party leaders on countering the "communal" BJP and asked them to be wary of elements trying to fan divisive passions.
Banerjee, who is also the president of Trinamool Congress, held an extended core committee meeting of the party where she also told the leaders to be careful about the activities of BJP and their associates in state.
"She gave a very passionate speech on secularism and threats of communalism. She had asked us to be aware of various incidents that BJP is trying to use to flare up communal passion in the state," a senior TMC leader said on condition of anonymity.
"She said communal harmony needs to be protected atany cost. In Bengal various communities have been living peacefully for ages and no one would be allowed to destroy the commuanl harmony to reap political benefits," the leader said.
Asking TMC leaders to remain vigilant about various kind of propaganda and activities that BJP is allegedly using to flare up communal passions, Banerjee called for holding small street corners meetings and rallies to thwart saffron propaganda, the leader said.
The directive of TMC leadership comes in the backdrop of recent reports of clashes between groups in Dhulagarh area of Howrah district.
The violence in Dhulagarh, just 35 km from Kolkata, started last week during a religious procession to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed. One side claims that the violence was unprovoked, while others say that stones were thrown at the procession.
This was preceded by series of clashes in various parts of Bengal after Durga Puja during October.
The state government had denied reports of any communal clashes and termed these as due to "personal enimity".
BJP President Amit Shah today formed a three-member panel of parliamentrians to visit the violence-hit town. The team consists Jagdambika Pal, Satyapal Singh and Roopa Ganguly.
