Want conscientious, not wealthy, people in the party: Mamata Banerjee at ‘Ekushe July’ rally
As in every year, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee took the stage as the final and principal speaker at the ‘Ekushe July’ rally in Kolkata today, a day the party celebrates as Martyrs’ Day. In her speech, she attacked the BJP and gave messages to the party leaders and workers.
She said, “We must work together. Go to the places where you have won and thank the people. Work for the people. In the places where we haven’t won, go and apologise to the people. Remember, it is better to walk than to ride a car. Walking keeps the body and mind healthy. Riding a scooter or bicycle is better than travelling in a big car.”
“I do not spare anyone in the party if they do wrong. I will have them arrested. Do not do anything wrong, and do not tolerate any wrong. Respect mothers and sisters. I do not want wealthy people in the party; I want conscientious people. Do you know why? Money comes and goes, but there is no substitute for service,” she told the Trinamool representatives.
She further said, “Ensure that the party does not receive any complaints against anyone. If there is a complaint, the party will take appropriate action. I want you to remain poor, which means living on what you have. There is no need to be greedy.”
On the issue of corruption, Mamata’s message was clear: “We will not bow to corruption. Take this pledge today. We will fight. If you get wet in the rain, you can wash it off with a bath, but dirt can’t be washed away. No one should make you greedy. We must pledge not to compromise with corruption. We will have no relation with those who get elected but do not serve the people.”
Attacking the BJP, she said, “The BJP cannot compete [with us] in leading a movement. There are 10 lakh government jobs available, but whenever we try to fill them up, they rush to the courts. Sometimes they claim we have done away with 26,000 jobs, sometimes they say we have done away with 42,000 jobs. Sometimes, they demand the removal of reservation for OBCs; but it will not happen. We are fighting a legal battle and will continue to do so.”
Regarding Bengal, she said, “We will protect the existence of Bengal, and it is Bengal which will protect the country.”
On the recent situation in Bangladesh, the Trinamool supremo said, “I won’t say much because it is a sovereign nation. Whatever needs to be said, the government of India will say. All I can say is that if helpless people come knocking on Bengal’s door, we will certainly provide them shelter. There United Nations directive saying that a refugee seeks shelter in their neighboring country, they must be provided it. Let us not get unduly involved in anything about Bangladesh. But we also have compassion for them.”
