The Trinamool Congress (TMC) held its annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21 at Birla Planetarium in Kolkata to honour the memory of 13 Youth Congress workers who lost their lives during a police firing in 1993. This event marks the 21st anniversary of the tragic incident, which occurred when a demonstration for voter identity cards was met with police violence. TMC supporters gathered in significant numbers, with many expressing faith in the party’s future electoral success.

During the event, TMC Member of Parliament Saugata Roy reminisced about the harrowing event, stating, “The protest, led by Mamata Banerjee, was fired upon during a peaceful procession. This day serves as a reminder of that tragic incident.” Roy emphasised the ongoing commitment of Banerjee to observe Martyrs’ Day to honour those who perished.

Supporters voiced their allegiance to Banerjee, with one stating, “TMC will win again. I support Didi.” Such expressions reflect the party’s attempt to rally support and connect the historical significance of the event to contemporary political aspirations.

BJP Criticises TMC’s Commemoration Efforts

In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held its own event, with leader Keya Ghosh criticising the TMC for allegedly politicising the observance. She claimed that the TMC had transformed Martyrs’ Day into a mere spectacle, recalling instances when the event featured entertainment rather than focusing on the martyrs. “How many families of martyrs did she actually assist or help secure jobs for while in power?” Ghosh questioned.

Ghosh also directed her criticism towards the Congress party, suggesting that they should express gratitude to the BJP government for allowing them to commemorate the day more effectively. Further, she alleged that had the BJP employed similar tactics, the TMC would not have been permitted to hold their observance, indicating a contentious atmosphere between the parties.

Amidst these tensions, Ghosh pointed to Mamata Banerjee’s appointment of Manish Gupta, allegedly the Principal Secretary during the 1993 incident, as a minister, questioning the integrity of the TMC’s commitment to honouring the martyrs. Ghosh argued that Banerjee’s actions demonstrated hypocrisy, as Gupta was allegedly responsible for the police firing.

Rebel TMC MPs Mark Event in Delhi

Meanwhile, several rebel TMC MPs who have now joined the National Committee for People’s Initiative (NCPI) observed Martyrs’ Day in Delhi at Raj Ghat. Sudip Bandyopadhyay, a former TMC MP, expressed that their visit was in remembrance of the 13 Youth Congress workers killed in the 1993 incident, highlighting a shift in political allegiance based on public sentiment in West Bengal.

Bandyopadhyay indicated that the MPs felt compelled to join NCPI due to the perceived disconnection of their previous party from the electorate. “Listening to the people of Bengal, we joined another party, NCPI,” he noted, as the Parliament session commenced.

In another part of West Bengal, BJP leader Tej Narayan Pandey noted a shift in dynamics, asserting that BJP workers were no longer facing obstruction while attending the TMC’s Martyrs’ Day event. He reported that BJP members provided refreshments for TMC supporters travelling to the rally, illustrating an attempt to foster goodwill amidst a charged political atmosphere.

Pandey further claimed that TMC’s grassroots presence had diminished, pointing out a lack of visible support for the party during the event. “The reality is that Trinamool has lost its ground,” he stated, addressing TMC’s alleged decline in popularity and influence in the state.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share