Siliguri, April 15 -- Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday criticised the BJP-led Union government, alleging that it was attempting to push the Delimitation Bill under the guise of the Women's Reservation Bill.

She asserted that West Bengal and the TMC were already ahead in ensuring women's representation in public life. Banerjee made the remarks while addressing an election campaign in North Dinajpur and also participated in back-to-back roadshows during the day.

Addressing a packed Court Maidan in Islampur, North Dinajpur, Banerjee stated: "Under the guise of women's reservation, they are trying to divide the country into pieces. They will divide Bengal also. The Delimitation Bill is being tabled in the name of women's reservation. It is nothing but a conspiracy." Banerjee stated that the TMC and Bengal were way ahead in women's representation.

"They are proposing 33 per cent women's reservation. TMC has a 37 per cent women's representation in Lok Sabha," stated Banerjee amidst loud cheers. Incidentally, in the West Bengal Assembly elections, only the TMC has fielded more than 20 per cent women candidates.

Banerjee strongly reacted to West Bengal Governor RN Ravi's statement about the 'sorry state of affairs in Bengal' and a call "to bring about a change to revive the lost glory of Bengal".

From the election rally in Islampur, Banerjee, without naming the Governor, stated: "The Latsaheb of Bengal, who resides in the biggest mansion, I will not name him though, has issued a statement today. He has abused me. Earlier, there was no unrest. Now, after things are under your control, everyday there is violence and unrest. This goes against the Election Commission. Law and order is not under us now. It is under the control of the Election Commission and the Union Government."

Banerjee stated that only the TMC can save the people from the present distress. "We have been with you always, through thick and thin. We were with you during natural disasters and even throughout the SIR. Once I come back to power, we will ensure that your names are back on the electoral rolls," she assured.

"BJP has already snatched votes, special women's votes. You will have to avenge this on April 23, the day of the polls," remarked Banerjee. She alleged that the whole of the BJP-led Union Government is in Bengal. "They have come to burn Bengal. But they can't stop me. I am unstoppable," she remarked.

Banerjee then took part in back-to-back roadshows in Siliguri and Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri. In Siliguri, she walked from the Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand area to Hashmi Chowk. Thousands had gathered to catch a glimpse of her amidst chants of "Joy Bangla" on the first day of the Bengali calendar.

In Jalpaiguri district, Banerjee's roadshow commenced from Mangalbari Haat at around 5 pm. Walking towards Chalsa More, she greeted large crowds lining both sides of the road, waving and extending New Year wishes amid tight security arrangements and police barricades.

The procession was briefly disrupted when a 28-year-old man breached the barricade and rushed towards the Chief Minister, attempting to touch her feet. Security personnel acted swiftly, overpowering him and handing him over to the police. The rally resumed with enhanced security.

At Chalsa More, Banerjee joined local women from Adivasi, Nepali, Mech and Bengali communities in a traditional dance and later addressed the gathering, conveying her greetings.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.