Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 17 (ANI): West Bengal Leader of Opposition (LoP) Ritabrata Banerjee on Friday inspected the preparations for the upcoming July 21 ‘Martyrs’ Day’ rally, while simultaneously launching a scathing attack on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over internal dissent within the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Speaking to ANI after reviewing the event site, the LoP said, “We came here to see the preparations, stage, and everything. Everything is more or less final. People will come in large numbers… The administration will have to ensure everyone’s safety and security.”
Taking a sharp dig at Mamata Banerjee’s recent remark, where she reportedly stated that those wishing to leave the party could do so before July 21, LoP Ritabrata Banerjee questioned the future of the ruling party.
“What if this actually happens and they are left with no one else but just the aunt, nephew, and 5-6 managing directors?” he asked.
Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asked the rebels who want to quit the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to do so before the July 21 Shaheed Diwas rally.
In a video posted on X, Mamata Banerjee said that actor-turned-politician Rukmini Mallick, aka Koel Mallick, had informed the party leadership before resigning from the Rajya Sabha just months into her tenure.
The TMC supremo said, “I saw one MP. I respect her. She had informed earlier through email. Today she met a BJP leader. Those who are under pressure, please take whatsoever decision and go wherever you want to before July 21, Shaheed Diwas. Our constitution gives us the right to do what we want.”
Ahead of the upcoming July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally, TMC MLA Sandipan Saha, belonging to the rebel faction, expressed confidence regarding the event’s preparations and public participation.
Speaking on the expected turnout, Saha told ANI, “Preparations are good. There is great enthusiasm. People want to come here and contribute their part. 21st July is an emotion… People are excited.”
Meanwhile, amid a dispute between two factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), both groups have approached the police seeking permission to hold their annual Shahid Diwas (Martyrs’ Day) rally on July 21 at Victoria House in the Esplanade area of Kolkata.
Trinamool MP from Mamata Banerjee’s faction, Dola Sen, said the ‘Shahid Diwas’ programme has been observed for decades in memory of the 13 party workers who lost their lives in 1993. (ANI)
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