PANJIM: In her fiery first address to the TMC workers and leaders in Goa, TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took on the BJP head-on saying, she greeted the black flag protests and shouts of Jai Shri Ram, on her arrival, with a “namaste”.
“This is their culture. I responded with my culture” she said, and added, “They are defacing my posters. The people of Goa will soon deface them. They will be defaced out of Goa.”
“I assure you Goan brothers and sisters, we will work for you. Kendrachi dadagiri naka. State should be strong. The future of Goa will depend on you, not outsiders. Insiders should take charge,” Didi urged.
Reacting sharply to nervous taunts by other non-BJP political parties, including some green horn NGOs about vote division and that TMC would help the BJP she said, “What has Congress done? Your MLAs went to BJP. Why did you delay forming the government? We will give our blood for Goa and we will not compromise with BJP.”
Giving a clarion call for all to join the TMC, the diminutive Didi, dressed in her signature simple white saree, stood tall as she said, “We will work for Goa in a strong manner. Give us one opportunity. TMC stands for Temple, Church and Mosque. All please join us. We will work for Navi Sakal.”
She began by saying, “I have come as your sister (didi). We will see a new dawn in Goa. People ask, how will Mamata do it? India is my country. Why can’t I come to Goa? I can go anywhere.”
Speaking on key issues that touched the right chords, she spoke about the sufferings of fishermen and taxi drivers, of those in the tourism sector, of mining workers who lost livelihoods.
Speaking on issues of youth empowerment, the West Bengal Chief Minister said, “We gave free cycles, smartphones to all students. The programmes we are doing in Bengal can be done in Goa.”
Promising help in creating a good system she said, “I’m not here to capture power but to help you. I will not be the CM of Goa, but I will ensure corruption in Goa is rooted out. We want to give Goa full protection to safeguard their culture and heritage. We want you to live with your head held high and live with pride.”
