No need to stay in Maharashtra, UP or Rajasthan, Mamata Banerjee tells migrants
Mamata Banerjee
on Monday assured social security to all migrant workers willing to return to the state. "There's no need to stay in Mumbai, UP or Rajasthan. I may not be able to feed you pitha or payas (Bengali desserts) but, if we eat one roti, we will ensure you get one too.
You can live here in peace," she said.
"You have the police helpline number. Contact us, let us know when you wish to return. We will bring you back by train," she said, ahead of Trinamool's first Bhasha Andolan march in Santiniketan.
The CM said around 22 lakh migrants from Bengal work in other states and promised them ration cards, health cards, and jobs. "We will give you social security and admit your kids to school," she said.
Banerjee told West Bengal Migrant Workers' Welfare Board chairperson Samirul Islam, "Sit with the chief secretary, take Moloy (the state's law and labour minister Moloy Ghatak) with you and formulate a scheme to bring the migrant workers back." The CM's statements came during an administrative meeting at Bolpur's Gitanjali Stadium.
Following the meeting, Banerjee led Bhasha Andolan march which covered a 3-km stretch, from Tourist Lodge crossing to Jamboni bus stand.
Claiming she could lay down her life for Bangla and the Bengali 'asmita', the CM said: "I am not against any language. We want unity. Threatening and harassing people is not our way."
Alleging a bigger game plan Banerjee said, "Assam govt is sending NRC notices to a tribal family in Alipurduar. In Maharashtra, Matuas are being persecuted. I cannot even recognise this country anymore. The country I know sustains all people.
My country keeps everyone happy. If they (BJP-led state govts) continue like this, the country will get fragmented. This is their game plan."
She asked how Bengal residents were being pushed to Bangladesh despite having all relevant documents. "Remember, this is Bengal. It led the country in the freedom struggle, abolished Sati and ensured widow remarriage. Do not test us," Banerjee said, adding: "Those who ask as why Bengalis are working in other states should know that Bengalis get work because of their skills. There are 1.5 crore migrants from other states working here.
We don't misbehave with them. Why should you?"
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