Won’t allow BJP to snatch voting rights, will fight till end: Mamata
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday accused the BJP-led Centre of attempting to “snatch away the voting rights” of people through the ongoing revision of electoral rolls ahead of the assembly polls.
Addressing thousands of worshippers after Eid prayers at Kolkata’s Red Road, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo alleged that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls — which the ruling party claims has led to large-scale deletions of voter names — was part of a broader attempt to influence the electoral process in the state.
“We will not allow Modi ji and the BJP to take away your voting rights. We will fight till the end to protect democracy and the rights of every citizen,” Banerjee said at the gathering.
ALSO READ: Gautam Singhania injured, 2 Indians missing in speedboat accident in Maldives
Her remarks come amid an intensifying political row over the electoral roll scrutiny exercise, which the TMC has repeatedly described as an attempt to remove names of genuine voters, particularly from minority-dominated areas, ahead of the assembly polls.
Banerjee warned that any move to disenfranchise voters in the name of revision or verification of electoral rolls would be resisted by her party.
“Those who are targeting Bengal and trying to divide people should go to hell,” she said, drawing loud cheers from the gathering.
The chief minister also invoked Bengal’s long tradition of communal harmony, saying the state would not allow forces trying to polarise society to succeed.
“Bengal believes in unity. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians — everyone lives together here. We will not allow anyone to break this social fabric,” she said.
The annual Eid congregation at Red Road — one of the largest in eastern India — has often doubled as a political platform during election years, offering parties an opportunity to reach out to the state’s sizeable Muslim electorate, which constitutes around 30 per cent of the population.
This year’s event carries added political significance as the state heads towards a high-stakes assembly election, with the TMC seeking a fourth consecutive term while the BJP attempts to consolidate the gains it made in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 assembly elections.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
PM Modi speaks to Iran President; stresses on freedom of navigation, ensuring shipping lanes open
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings to the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia.
In his telephonic conversation with the Iranian leader, Prime Minister Modi condemned the attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains, and reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure.
"Spoke with President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings. We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia," the prime minister said in a post on 'X'.
"Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains," he said.
The prime minister also appreciated Iran's continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran.
This was the second telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and the Iranian President since the present conflict started on February 28.
On March 12, President Pezeshkian briefed Prime Minister Modi on the current situation in Iran and shared his perspective on recent developments in the region.
The prime minister had expressed deep concern about the evolving security situation in the region and reiterated India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, drawing retaliation from Iran which targeted its neighbours and Israel.
Iran also controls the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which 20 per cent of the world's energy is transported. Since the conflict, very few ships have been allowed by Iran to cross it.
PM Modi has also spoken to a number of world leaders since the conflict started. These include leaders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, France and Malaysia.
