Kolkata, Aug. 28 -- The Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel TMC faction's TMCP Foundation Day programme at Rani Rashmoni Avenue on Friday appeared to be a flop show, with most of the chairs lying vacant despite several leaders occupying the stage. The poor turnout echoed the sparse attendance witnessed at the faction's July 21 programme, raising questions over its ability to mobilise students and supporters.
Held following an order of the Calcutta High Court, the programme marked both Raksha Bandhan and TMCP Foundation Day. Addressing students, Banerjee reiterated his faction's key demand for students' union elections in every college and university. He also demanded that the BJP-led state government clearly state whether it intends to hold the elections.
Banerjee also took aim at the erstwhile TMC government, alleging that its mistakes paved the way for the BJP's rise to power. He further accused the present government of following a similar approach by placing BJP legislators and MPs in colleges.
Former Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, faction president Arup Roy, Javed Khan and other leaders were present on the stage. Hakim also criticised Mamata Banerjee, claiming that she had stopped students' union elections despite repeated requests to resume them, affecting student politics.
Hakim said he believed in democracy and alleged that there was no space for democracy in Mamata's camp, adding that this was why he was no longer with her faction.
Banerjee said the programme was being organised through funds collected as donations, highlighting the financial constraints faced by his faction.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.