July 21, 2011-Brigade Parade Ground

Promises fulfilled within two months, announces Trinamool Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee at the Shaheed Dibas Rally

July 21, 2011

Kolkata, July 21: The incessant rain could not stop the gathering millions to join the historic Shaheed Dibas Rally at the Brigade Parade Ground. Ms. Mamata Banerjee, Chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress paid her tribute to Ma, Mati, Manush for driving out the past government and said that development was the only agenda her government has.

Didi, as Ms. Banerjee is known all over Bengal, pointed out that her pre-poll promises were mostly fulfilled within two months of her taking over the State Administration. The returning of land to unwilling farmers in Singur, the peace process in Jangal Mahal or the Darjeeling impasse- were the major issues solved within these sixty days. There have been reforms in education, health issues, infrastructure, and employment generation along with other issues. No other government in the history of Bengal has shown such an urge for developmental works.

The waiting came to an end with Trinamool Congress Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee taking the stage. `I know all of you had a tough time reaching out this place today due to incessant rains and I appreciate your genuine love and admiration for the part`, said Ms. Banerjee who after taking the stage called upon. First of all, she met the family of the Martyrs from the 21^st July 1993 incident, Netai, Nadigram and Singur. She talked to them individually and handed them financial aids.

Ms. Banerjee with an idea to bridge the gap between her ministers and public decided to introduce her ministers both in Centre as well as in state cabinet. She called upon various personalities from different cultural fields and asked them to say a few words.

Speaking on this occasion Ms. Mamata Banerjee reiterated her stand to bring change in Bengal as the past government had left no stone unturned to spoil the atmosphere in every sphere. She further said that it will be her foremost duty to fulfill her promises which she made before the elections but requested the people to allow some time as the situation was very crucial. `I will have to fight with the financial crisis as the past government not only gave me an empty coffer but loads of debt which I will have to clear in due time`, she said. Ms. Banerjee requested the people to take active part in development work. `If you see the floor is dirty in a hospital then please don’t feel shy or ashamed to clean IT and always remember that it’s not the hospital but you are doing a service to the humanity. We do the same at our homes then why do we shy away from during this in public places`, she said.  Those being a mute spectator will then join in this initiative as `you will set precedence`.

Ms. Banerjee announced that the state government will have series of programmes on August 7,8 and 9 lined up to commemorate the death anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore falling on 22 e Srabon. “We have planned many special programmes on this occasion and I request you to keep Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam in your thoughts”, she said.

Ms. Banerjee, who thanked the people for their support and love said, `I am grateful to you all for showing patience and not retaliating to the provocation of the CPI(M) which is sitting in the oblivion at this moment and planning their next move`. She urged not to be provoked as it will only create unnecessary altercations.  `I often hear the opposition alleging violence is taking place at various parts in the district. I can’t see any. Let me assure them that we won’t resort to killing as they did as it's against my policy. I believe in development and not destruction”, said Ms. Banerjee. `You have killed many, we won’t do that`, she added with a pinch of salt and replied to those Left leaders who had recently visited the Writers’ Building seeking her intervention in this regard.

Ms. Banerjee requested the people to maintain peace and harmony in the districts as only then development was possible. She requested all to be secular and have respect for other religions. `I wish you all a happy Ramzan month in advance`, she said. `We have taken up various projects towards the development of minority communities and let me assure you that I will keep my words as I don`t believe in pep talks`. She announced that a programme will start from August 30 where children belonging to minority communities will be felicitated. She said that her government is taking positive measures in connection to the Madrasa education.

 Ms. Banerjee reiterated the need to plant more and more trees as not only it will create an environment friendly atmosphere but also help to spread the green Kolkata message. `We will plant 5 crore trees across West Bengal and 10 lakhs within Kolkata`. However, she made it clear that many initiatives will have to be taken by the people along with government.

She urged the people to be more active and sleep less as it’s the time to work and more and more work towards development will help the state to flourish in future. `Give me some time and I will create a job friendly situation. I assure you that we will generate one lakh job opportunity within two years`, she said adding that her government has already started working positive in this direction. `We have completed just two months in office and already I have created 46,000 jobs for teachers and 18,000 at Madrasa level`, she added. Raising the issue of public grievances she said that the people should report their difficulties to the assigned officials in districts and it will be reported to her as it is not possible for her to keep vigil personally. However, she made it clear that she that it may take some time to execute the plans but will certainly implement them as `I don't make false promises and neither I will tolerate any indiscipline and will take adequate action if the later is found is guilty`, said Ms. Banerjee.

Adding a pinch of salt she said, `The weather was rough when you came but see it has changed now. Previously too we had bad weathers but see it’s the wind of change that the weather is changing for the good`. Ms. Banerjee requested the people to clasp hands and sing the national anthem aloud. Finally, adding her special touch and make it more interactive raised Trinamool slogans and the crowd cheered her aloud assuring her of their full cooperation.