KOLKATA: Only West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s photograph can be used for campaign materials for the Trinamool Congress mega event on Thursday to observe martyrs’ day here, to prevent any kind of extortion by party workers. They have also been directed not to collect money from the public for the event.
A TMC leader on Tuesday told Express, “Following a direction from our top leadership, all leaders have been told not to use their photographs along with Didi’s in all flexes, banners and posters for the July 21 martyrs’ day where she will be the main speaker. A large number CDs have been sent to all district units, MPs, MLAs and councillors with her photo to maintain uniformity and they have even been asked not to print their names on campaign materials.
“Didi, during a core committee meeting, issued a strong warning and said she received complaints about some councillors and local leaders indulging in extortion from real estate companies as well as ordinary citizens. She had clearly stated that she would not tolerate such complaints anymore and instructed the police to arrest such party workers tarnishing the image of TMC,” he said.
Following Mamata’s instruction, a new committee has been formed at Nabanna, the state secretariat, and the police started a crackdown on criminals running “syndicate raj”, mafia- type operations to extort huge money.
Thousands of people have been arrested, mainly from Salt Lake and New Town, in the eastern fringe of Kolkata which is witnessing a real estate boom. All local sports clubs have also been warned.
The TMC leader said many local leaders in the districts were using their photographs with Mamata to portray their apparently close relations and mopping funds from businessmen and traders. They have been warned that if they violate the recent party directive they will be expelled and arrested. They have also been told not to ask for money from the public for the martyrs’ day meeting. Lakhs of people usually turn up for the party’s mega event to mourn the death of 13 Youth Congress workers in police firing on July 21, 1993, when Mamata was the state president of the organisation.
Two control rooms have been set up at Mamata’s residence in Kalighat to monitor the public meetin. All TMC district units have been asked to collect money from these control rooms for accommodation and food expenses of the workers who would come from other parts of the state to attend the rally.
The TMC leader said local leaders would collect funds through receipts or by selling coupons. Not onlywere there complaints about the use of force but also the funds were never accounted for, he added.