Kolkata
Mamata Banerjee Targets BJP, Defends Planned Protest Over Hawker Evictions
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has announced that the party will continue with its planned sit-in protest despite not receiving police permission. The demonstration is aimed at highlighting alleged attacks on TMC workers and concerns over the Railways’ hawker eviction drive, which the party claims is affecting thousands of livelihoods.
Mamata Banerjee on Monday declared that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) would go ahead with its proposed sit-in protest despite police denying permission for the programme.
The protest has been planned to raise concerns over alleged attacks on TMC leaders and workers, as well as the ongoing railway hawker eviction drive. According to Banerjee, the removal of hawkers without a comprehensive rehabilitation plan has created anxiety among small traders and economically vulnerable sections dependent on informal businesses for their livelihood.
Addressing party workers, the former West Bengal chief minister alleged that ordinary citizens and traders were living under fear and uncertainty. She also accused the ruling BJP of attempting to weaken the TMC by using financial influence and political power to encourage defections from the party.
Banerjee, however, downplayed concerns over leaders leaving the organisation. She asserted that those departing for personal gain would ultimately strengthen the party by creating opportunities for committed workers to take on greater responsibilities.
The TMC chief maintained that the party would emerge stronger from the current challenges and continue its political campaign on issues affecting common people. Her remarks come amid heightened political activity in West Bengal and growing tensions between the state’s opposition parties and the ruling establishment at the Centre.
The planned sit-in is expected to draw significant participation from party workers and supporters, with the TMC positioning the protest as a demonstration against what it describes as anti-people policies and political intimidation.
The development is likely to intensify the political contest in the state, with both the TMC and BJP continuing to trade allegations over governance, public welfare, and political strategy ahead of future electoral battles.
