Kolkata: Like CPM in the past, now BJP did not let anyone vote, CM Mamata Banerjee on Sunday, on the eve of the Martyrs’ Day rally. While Banerjee did not explicitly refer to EC’s special intensive revision in Bihar, she criticised “torture” of Bengali-speakers in BJP-governed states.Addressing Trinamool netas and workers at Esplanade, Banerjee said: “The democracy that you see in Bengal today did not exist earlier. In Kolkata, all buildings were shut during CPM’s tenure so that people were unable to vote. We held a massive protest. CPM did not have the power to stop us, so they opened fire. Thirteen people died, and over 200 were injured.”The CM added: “The demand was simple — no ID card, no vote. Based on the report of an observer who was sent here, this ‘no ID, no vote’ rule was implemented, and people got back their right to vote. We struggled a lot for that.” “In ‘double-engine’ states, BJP does not allow people to vote. As for CPM, we have already exposed and defeated them. Yet, they are still making big speeches on social media,” she said.On Bengali-speaking migrants in other states being labelled ‘Bangladeshi’, the CM said: “They torture people from Bengal just for speaking in Bengali. We respect people of all states.” Questioning opposition to the July 21 rally, Banerjee said: “For 33 years, we have been holding this programme here because many people sacrificed their lives at this very place. We organise this one event here each year. Even that bothers some people. What happens to their concerns when they hold Nabanna Abhiyan without police permission?”Large posters of the CM were put up across roads leading to Victoria House, and gates constructed on the way to Esplanade. Cameras fixed below the dais captured footage of supporters arriving. Trinamool netas from districts started dropping in by the afternoon. Banerjee came to the venue around 6pm, and the crowd started shouting “Didi, Didi”. She waved as ‘Joy Bangla’ slogans filled the air and shook hands with a few supporters. The 100-metre stretch on Central Avenue from Dorina crossing to Chandni Chowk metro station was dotted with FAM4TMC members dressed in yellow T-shirts and caps carrying posters and flags demanding a PM from Bengal. They raised the slogan ‘Bolchhe Banglar Janata, Pradhanmantri Mamata’ while streaming live on social media.
