Overwhelming support of opposition parties, says Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Claiming an “overwhelming support” from the opposition parties, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said the opposition might march to the Rashtrapati Bhavan if necessary to save the Constitution and the country’s federal structure.

In an interaction with ET, Banerjee, who has been staging a dharna at Kolkata’s ‘metro channel’, said that her “decision to stage the dharna was not planned, but a need of the hour”.

“Leaders of all opposition parties have extended their support,” said Banerjee, adding: “The opposition parties will also raise the issue in Parliament together. What has happened is unprecedented.”


Calling the situation a total breakdown of institutional sanctity, she said: “Dharna was not planned. When I was briefed by the DG and CP, I rushed in. They asked me not to worry and said they would handle the situation legally. But I had to stand up for my force. I had gone there unprepared... I had to take this step to protect the Constitution and the federal structure of our country.”

“Every institution and organisation are being targeted by Modi government. They are trying to block the national media,” Banerjee said.