If the INDIA coalition comes to power, all the people’s issues will be resolved: Mamata Banerjee
The Trinamool Congress brought a censure motion in the state assembly today against the Union government’s inaction in Manipur, leading to a massive escalation in the ethno-communal violence in the state. The Bengal Assembly has thus become the first legislative assembly in India to bring such a motion, condemning strongly the Centre’s handling of the situation.
When Chief Minister and party Chairperson Mamata Banerjee got up to speak in favour of the motion, the Opposition benches erupted in disapproval.
Highlights of Mamata Banerjee’s speech:
- We will always remain with Manipur. We are determined to bring peace to the state.
- I had thought there would be constructive dialogue on the issue, with participation from all sides.
- I had thought everyone would support this motion keeping in view the dire need for support that, especially, the women and children of Manipur need at this moment.
- A lot of fake videos on Manipur are doing the rounds.
- They are criticising Bengal all the time.
- The Union government has sent more than 160 teams to Bengal but the prime minister has not spoken anything substantial on Manipur. He has been a failure.
- The prime minister must speak on Manipur in Parliament.
- The prime minister can make any number of trips to other countries, but cannot find the time to go to Manipur.
- Everything can be solved peacefully through talks.
- If Modi ji cannot do it, let him give us the responsibility to conduct talks.
- This BJP government is useless, the country does not need it.
- If the INDIA coalition comes to power, all the people’s issues will be resolved.
- They are sending Central commissions to investigate the smallest of issues.
- The BJP is using agencies against those opposed to it.
- I sent only one team to Manipur; the team members spoke to the common people.
- We have to protect Manipur—it is our constitutional duty.
- You are ever ready to talk about Bhangar. So why don’t you discuss Manipur one day?
- You have done a lot of harm to Bengal. You have stopped our funds.
- Every day, you are insulting the culture of Bengal.
- We will not say anything about Manipur that will escalate the situation into a riot.
- I understand the law-and-order situation in Manipur. I had sent a letter to the Home Ministry but did not get a reply.
- A lot of organisations have sent me letters, asking me to visit Manipur.
- Why should only the people of Bengal discuss Manipur? I request the assemblies in other states too to discuss the issue.
- I request the other assemblies as well to bring censure motions on Manipur, and thus force the prime minister to take some concrete steps.
It needs to be noted that a 21-member team from the INDIA coalition visited Manipur last Saturday. They visited the people living in relief camps and submitted a memorandum to Governor Anusuiya Uikey.
