26 parties have come together to keep BJP out of power: Mamata Banerjee

With an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday gave a clarion call to oust the BJP from the Centre under the newly formed opposition platform - INDIA (Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance).

Banerjee claimed that if the BJP government comes to power again, democracy will cease to exist in the country. "In 2024, a new India will be born for development, unity, harmony and oneness and to save democracy," she said during a mega public rally in Kolkata on Martyr's Day. She also expressed her solidarity with the people of Manipur and attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue.

The West Bengal chief minister also thanked all the 26 parties for coming together under one platform. "I am happy that before 2024, we have formed a "new INDIA" which will fight the BJP. INDIA will fight and the Trinamool will guard as a soldier. Let INDIA win and BJP lose. I congratulate all 26 parties that have come together, we will not allow people to suffer for lack of food and basic necessities," she said.


"Roti, kapra, makan-ye hamara Hindustan," she raised the slogan at the rally, adding, "Bharat jitega (we will win) while Modi and BJP will be defeated. The fight will be under "Jitega Bharat"-banner. We are not craving any post or chair but the BJP cannot be tolerated anymore," Banerjee said while addressing the mega rally.

The July 21 rally is an annual mass event organised by the Trinamool Congress to commemorate the 1993 Kolkata firing as Martyrs' Day where at least 13 people were shot by the Kolkata Police.

Continuing her attack against the Centre over the Manipur crisis, Banerjee said the BJP's 'Beti Bachao' scheme has now turned into 'Beti Jalao' (Burn our daughters). "In the coming election, women will oust you from power. Women are Durga and Kali ma," she said, adding that the BJP failed to save the dignity of women in Manipur. "Every house gives a cry, there is a cry 'Modi go, Modi go'."