Siliguri, April 16 -- "This is a people's victory; Victory of Ma, Mati, Manush; Victory of democracy, of the Constitution. I thank the judiciary. I am the happiest person today," stated Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee, reacting to the Supreme Court ruling on Thursday.

Banerjee, on the campaign trail in Dinhata, reacting to the Supreme Court's order, stated: "The Supreme Court in its verdict has stated that a supplementary voters list will be published on April 21 for the first phase and on April 27 for the second phase. Those whose names feature in these lists can cast their votes. I hope everyone has applied to the tribunals, and your rights will be reinstated."

The TMC supremo, talking to media persons on the sidelines of an election campaign meeting, stated that she will ask TMC supporters to prepare voter forms based on the supplementary voters list by nightfall and distribute them among the electors so that they do not face any problems in voting.

Banerjee addressed three campaign meetings at Ghoksadanga Choto Shimulguri ground in Mathabhanga, Parade Ground in Alipurduar and Sanghati Maidan in Dinhata on Thursday. Launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led Union government, Banerjee demanded the removal of Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of elections.

"The Union FM is doing illegal things. I am charge-sheeting PM Modi. You must sack her. She has broken the MCC. How can she distribute cards now?" Banerjee stated that if they were sincere, they could have introduced the card in the Budget session and not in poll-bound Bengal a few days before polls. This is a clear violation of MCC, declared Banerjee.

Incidentally, the Matrishakti Bharosa Card was launched by Nirmala Sitharaman and distributed by BJP leaders in Bengal on Wednesday.

In Alipurduar, taking aim at PM Modi, Banerjee accused the Centre of failing tea garden workers. "PM Modi said that he will ensure that five tea gardens reopen. He failed to do it. I opened them," she claimed, adding that her government would increase wages and ensure provident fund benefits.

Taking a dig at the"ghuspetiyo" threats by BJP leaders, Banerjee alleged the presence of "outsiders" from states like Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan influencing polls.

"They are distributing money. Take their money and then make sure that they are driven out," she told supporters.

Banerjee criticised the Centre over migrant safety and alleged discrimination. "Migrant labourers from Bengal are tortured and lynched in the BJP-ruled states. Why would you torture people for speaking in their mother tongue?" she asked.

Banerjee stated that Chief Ministers of various Opposition-ruled states are in touch with her. "They are ready to cooperate. AITC does not want the chair. We will unite everyone. We want these useless people removed," stated Banerjee. "They play communal politics in the country, PM Modi hugs and dines with leaders of the Arab world. Contracts are made to export beef to Oman. India ranks third in beef exports," stated Banerjee.

"I have seen many governments but never such a tyrannical government (the BJP-led Union government). We have to all unite to stop them," stated Banerjee. After the campaign meetings, Banerjee offered prayers at the Madanmohan temple in Cooch Behar.

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