- By Vivek Raj
- Sun, 10 Mar 2024 12:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) gears up to kickstart its 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign with a mega rally, titled ‘Jana Garjan Sabha,’ to be held at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Grounds. Scheduled for Sunday, the rally will also unveil the party's list of 42 candidates for the upcoming elections. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee will lead the event, setting the stage for the electoral battle ahead.
In a video posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mamata Banerjee called for Bengal's participation in the march, highlighting the state's resilience against exploitation. The rally's theme centers on the alleged withholding of the state's financial dues by the central government, a longstanding issue in West Bengal politics.
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“Bengal's patience & courtesy should NOT be mistaken for its weakness. The Bohiragoto Jomidars must be reminded of this on March 10. The #JonogorjonSabha at Brigade Ground this Sunday will be a historic event on the land that has always fought for its rights. Join us as we lead the people's movement for Bengal's secure future,” she wrote.
Anticipating a massive turnout, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee estimated that around six to eight lakh supporters and several block-level leaders would converge from various districts to participate in the rally.
However, the BJP seized the opportunity to criticise the TMC's mega rally, labeling it as the party's “farewell rally.” Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari disparaged TMC leaders as "goons and corrupt," foreseeing their "impending downfall."
The rally follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bengal, where he accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of "looting" the people. Allegations included the creation of fake job cards and diverting funds meant for social welfare programs to individuals favored by the TMC.
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“Modi sends the money for MNREGA wages from Delhi but the TMC government here has looted you at every step. To benefit the TMC's 'tolabaz', 25 lakh fake job cards were made and given to the people. If Modi sends money to the poor's houses, then the TMC government gives your money to the people chosen by ‘tolabaz’,” he had said.