Mamata Banerjee: BJP will face rout in Rajasthan

BJP will face a rout in Rajasthan in the upcoming Assembly election as it has lost public support, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday.

Banerjee also argued that Centre’s decisions such as demonetisation and GST will take a toll on BJP’s electoral prospects. She was addressing an event held by an organisation of Hindi speaking people in Purulia district.

“You ask the people of Rajasthan. No one there supports BJP. They will face a rout,” said Banerjee.

Banerjee also said that she had information that irrespective of Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, BJP is in dismal condition everywhere. “They will definitely go. Things cannot continue like this,” said Banerjee.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo took a veiled dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Without naming the Prime Minister, she said someone whom people are afraid of can never be a leader of the nation as a true leader is always loved by the people.

“People love the leader of the nation. If one does not support the leader, then he or she can express his/her opinion during elections. But someone whom people are afraid of can never be a leader. These days there are such leaders in the country whom people are scared of,” said Banerjee.

The Chief Minister criticised the Centre for demonetisation and not allotting adequate funds for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme.

“They (BJP government) are always talking about Beti Bachao Beti Padhao but allotted paltry funds for it. While we have spent Rs 6,000 crore on our Kanyashree project, they have allotted only Rs 100 crore. If you calculate, each girl will not even get 3 paisa,” said Banerjee.

The Chief Minister also said that even though Chhath Puja is not celebrated in Bengal on par with Bihar, Bengal government declared two-day holiday for Chhath Puja.

“But they (Centre) have not declared any holiday for Chhath Puja,” said Banerjee.