Mamata Banerjee Accuses Modi Government of Marginalizing SCs, STs, and OBCs
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of attempting to marginalize Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Addressing a rally in support of TMC candidate Mahua Moitra in Nadia district, Banerjee criticized the BJP government's "falsehoods" about citizenship benefits for marginalized communities.
Banerjee warned that the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) could jeopardize the rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is lying about the benefits of UCC. Instead, if UCC is implemented, it will put at stake the existence of SCs, STs and OBCs. BJP will destroy the constitution. But rest assured, we will not let it happen," she declared.
The TMC chief accused the BJP of spreading lies about Matuas and other backward castes getting citizenship through the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). She claimed that the CAA is a ploy to take away existing citizenship rights and deport people to "concentration camps." The Krishnanagar constituency has a significant Matua population.
Banerjee further argued that the UCC would prevent different communities, tribes, and sects from practicing their own customs and rituals. She also expressed concern over the Election Commission's announcement of an increased poll percentage four days after the actual voting took place. While not directly accusing the EC of wrongdoing, she found the situation "unfathomable."
Banerjee cautioned the electorate against BJP's tactics to manipulate voting figures and alleged threats by BJP leaders to IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal. She vowed to resist any attempts to undermine the state's integrity. "Intimidation, threat, and pressure by the Narendra Modi government on state ministers, officials, or people will not work in Bengal," she asserted.