Mamata Banerjee writes to non-BJP parties to unite against 'BJP's attack on Democracy and Constitution'

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday wrote to non-BJP parties to unite against the BJP's 'attack on democracy and the constitution of India'. She further suggested the parties to come together and chart out a 'plan of action' against the BJP's 'one-party authoritarian rule in India'.

While highlighting the "assaults" by the BJP and its government on democracy and constitutional federalism of India, the TMC supremo wrote letters to the Opposition leaders including Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi, NCP's Sharad Pawar, DMK's MK Stalin, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray, AAP's Arvind Kejriwal, BJD's Naveen Patnaik among others.

While referring to the passage of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill by the two Houses of Parliament, she said that it is an "extremely grave" development.

"With this law, the BJP government at the Centre has snatched away practically all the powers of the democratically elected government of Delhi, and vested them in the hands of the Lt Governor, a nominee of the Centre. The Lt Governor has been made the undeclared Viceroy of Delhi, acting as a proxy for the home minister and the prime minister," the letter said.

It added, "You will also agree that what BJP has done in Delhi is no exception, but is increasingly becoming a rule."

The letter further said that the Centre has been "creating problems for the duly elected governments by misusing the office of the Governor". Banerjee alleged in the letter that in many states including West Bengal, Governors has been functioning like BJP's office bearers and not as neutral Constitutional authorities.

While alleging that the saffron party wants to make it impossible for the non-BJP parties to exercise their Constitutional rights and freedom, she stated, "it wants to dilute the powers of state governments and want to downgrade them to mere municipalities. In short, it wants to establish a one-party authoritarian rule in India.

"Therefore, I strongly believe that the time has come for a united and effective struggle against the BJP's attacks on democracy and the Constitution," the letter said.

She further suggested that after the conclusion of the ongoing Assembly Elections, all the parties should "deliberate on the pertaining issues and chart out a plan of action".

Banerjee wrote the letter ahead of the second phase of polls in the state seeking a united fight against the saffron party. "I am writing this letter to you, and to several leaders of non-BJP parties, to convey my serious concerns over a series of assaults by the BJP and its government at the Centre on democracy and constitutional federalism in India," said the letter.

Also Read: We will fulfill the promise of 'five guarantees', says Rahul Gandhi

Also Watch: Karbi Anglong District Administration gears up for Assembly Polls