8 hours ago
CM: Bengal will not observe ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'
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Kolkata: Bengal govt will not observe 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' on June 25, CM
Mamata Banerjee
has said, calling a central directive in this regard a mockery of the Constitution and democracy.
The Union ministry of culture has in a letter asked the administration to organise events to be led by the governor or CM to mark 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' on June 25, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the imposition of Emergency.
"The intent is politically motivated. I condemn the term 'murder of Constitution'. Constitution is the very foundation of our democratic system, our rights, everything we stand for. How can they say that Constitution has been murdered? I object to this," the CM said.
She added, "You may have your political differences with Rahul Gandhi, the leader of opposition. You may or may not like him. But there are other political parties.
Many of them were not even there during the Emergency. Did you consult them?"Accusing the Centre, instead, of "murdering democracy", Banerjee said, "Every day, democracy is being murdered, fundamental rights are being curtailed, state economies are being bulldozed.
You are forcefully imposing your fabricated religious ideologies on people and pursuing your own toppled elected govts in Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.
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You even approached the SC seeking President's Rule in Bengal. You should be ashamed."
Alleging that all four pillars of democracy were under threat, Banerjee asked, "Which one have you left untouched? Even the Election Commission has become entirely biased." She added that the Centre's letter to the chief secretary mentioning "constitutional morality" was unbecoming. "Who is talking about constitutional morality? Those who do not respect the Constitution?"
Taking a swipe at PM Narendra Modi, she said, "The PM is always abroad.
Who is the PM, Narendra Modi or Amit Shah? Modiji travels the world while Amit Shah handles everything. If that's the case, why not officially declare Amit Shah as Prime Minister? It appears that he is running the country. You are using governors for political ends. Letters are being drafted and sent from the MHA through them. There is no adherence to any system.
You play with people's dignity."
Questioning the Centre for choosing a pre-Independence date to celebrate Bengal Foundation Day, the CM said the state assembly had passed a resolution declaring Poila Baisakh as Bangla Diwas.
"On June 20, 1947, when India was not yet independent, a law was passed stating that Bengal would remain with India and Bangladesh with Pakistan. Why should we accept that date? India became independent on Aug 15. Shouldn't Bengalis decide Bengal's foundation day? Will you decide everything?" She alleged that Centre was repeatedly stonewalling attempts to rename West Bengal as Bengal.
In a reference to the violence at Maheshtala recently, the CM said, "A fruit vendor went home to celebrate a festival. And you planted a holy tulsi plant there. We offer tulsi to Lord Jagannath and Sri Krishna. If you wanted to plant tulsi, why didn't you do so in your own house? I am telling everyone indulging in mean politics that this is injustice and an insult to our gods. People have the right to follow their religion…So many people go to their ancestral homes during Durga Puja.
Can we occupy their houses? What are you teaching people?"
