Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday made a scathing attack on the UPA government for its anti-people policies and pledged to continue her fight for the causes of the common man.
Addressing a huge gathering of TMC workers at the historic Jantar Mantar, Mamata said, “The UPA government is not working in favour of the common man. In the name of sustainable economic development, the government has sold the nation in the hands of rich corporate giants of the West.”
Mamata also indicated that her party might bring a no-confidence motion against the government. “We don’t want this government to stay. If it is required, we will bring a no confidence motion against the government. We will not let them exploit the public,” she said.
The TMC chief, while claiming that she will defend all from this ‘bloodsucking’ government. said, “They want set-top boxes for TVs, they want FDI, they want a cap on LPG cylinders. How much money do they want from us?”
Mamata also declared that her party will hold a 48-hour long dharna in Delhi in November 19 and 20. She adds that in Lucknow she’ll organise another dharna in Lucknow on November 17. “I’ll ask Mulayam ji and Akhilesh to join me and support me,” she declares.
Criticizing the Congress leadership for not treating the UPA allies properly she said, “This government uses CBI to topple the voices of those who oppose its unfriendly and unhealthy policies. But I am not afraid. I am ready to go to jail for common man’s cause.”
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Earlier, Janta Dal chief Sharad Yadav hailed the West Bengal Chief Minister as a real tigress.
Addressing the rally at the Jantar Mantar, JD(U) chief said, “We support Mamata ji in her protest against the UPA government’s FDI decision.”
Sharad Yadav, who shared stage with the TMC leader, said, “She will be remembered in the history for the sacrifices (decision to quit the UPA government) she had made to safeguard the interest of the common man of India.”
The JD(U) chief said that he had come to support Mamata Didi as an Indian and no political inference of this should be drawn. “We all (opposition) oppose the Centre’s FDI decision, ” he said.
Ahead of the rally, TMC chief had said, “The Jantar Mantar protest is against the UPA government's recent economic reforms and aimed at giving voice to the 'aam aadmi”.
"It is not a dharna, it is a protest rally. All our MPs will protest, but I have not brought anyone from Bengal," Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool supremo and West Bengal chief minister, said.
Speaking to reporters, senior TMC leader KD Singh said, “Sensex is not the index of people's happiness, those who are happy with the Sensex going up want only money. Didi (Banerjee) is concerned about the 'aam aadmi', and this rally is to raise their voice."
“The protest is against the recent government decisions to allow foreign investment in multi-brand retail, increase the price of diesel and put a cap of subsidised LPG,” he said.
He said the demonstration was part of the party's resolve to show solidarity with the 'aam admi' who has been hurt the most by such decisions.
"Withdrawing from the UPA was the first step. A series of protests have been planned in the coming days till the decisions are withdrawn," he said.
When asked whether Trinamool Congress would support a resolution in Parliament against FDI if it is brought by BJP, former Railway Minister Mukul Roy evaded a direct reply.
Meanwhile, the ruling Congress today hit back at the TMC for opposing the government’s key decisions that were necessary for growth.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanasamy said the decisions were necessary for economic growth and to create employment.
"Employment has not been created. The states cannot remain like that, the centre cannot remain like that. Centre has to march forward for the purpose of fulfilling the wishes and aspirations of the people of the country," Narayanasamy said.
In her Facebook post, Banerjee had recently said, "Let us fight the battle boldly and unitedly. In a democracy, people are supreme. Our voice is the voice of the people. We must raise our voice, so that the government must reconsider."
She said the party's fight for the cause of common people continued with the help of 'Maa, Mati, Manush' throughout the country.
Around 600 Trinamool supporters reached New Delhi last night. Also, 1000 Trinamool supporters from Haryana, 2000 from Uttar Pradesh along with party MLAs from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur are reportedly present during today’s rally. The Delhi Police has given Banerjee's party permission for 5000 people at the venue.
TMC, which has 19 members in the Lok Sabha, pulled out its six ministers from the government on September 21, and withdrew support to the UPA on these issues.
With PTI Inputs
First Published: Monday, October 01, 2012, 08:45