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New Delhi: Bringing its
differences right to the government's doorstep, a combative
Trinamool Congress said Monday that it might bring a no-confidence
motion against the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in the
next parliament session.
Defending itself on a day that the Jharkhand Vikas
Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) also withdrew support of its two MPS
from the UPA over its recent initiatives, including permitting
foreign investment in retail, the government said its decisions on
the economy were necessary for growth.
"Employment has not been created. The states cannot remain like
that, the centre cannot remain like that. Centre has to ...
fulfill the wishes and aspirations of the people," said Minister
of State in the Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanasamy.
But West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool supremo Banerjee was
in full flow as she gathered her forces in central Delhi's Jantar
Mantar.
"We will not let the government exploit the public. If it is
required, we will bring a no confidence motion against the
government," Banerjee said at the rally against economic reforms.
In a no holds barred attack against the UPA, Banerjee said: "In
the name of reforms, the government is looting the country by
trying to end the employment of small farmers. Selling the country
cannot be reforms. If you sell out, the people will boot you out
-- that is the beauty of democracy."
Banerjee, whose party has 19 MPs in the Lok Sabha and parted ways
with the Manmohan Singh-led government last month, said no
government had the right to take away the common man's livelihood.
Addressing a gathering of about 3,000, an aggressive Banerjee
said: "The Trinamool withdrew support due to government's lack of
confidence. I am not afraid, throw me in jail. I am not scared. I
am in politics for the people and not for any selfish gains."
With the six union ministers who quit office on Sep 19 over the
decision to allow FDI in retail, hike diesel prices and cap
subsidised LPG by her side as well as her MPs and legislators,
Banerjee announced nationwide protests against economic reforms in
the coming months.
"TMC will stage protest in Haryana on Nov 2, hold rally in Lucknow
Nov 17 and has sought the support of Samajwadi Party. It will also
demonstrate in Delhi on Nov 19-20," she said.
Launching a scathing attack at the central government, Banerjee
said: "The government should be for the people, not be there to
terminate their existence. I stayed in the government for three
years but was not heard."
She said FDI would take jobs away and hit small industries and
farmers.
"The government had forced FDI in retail, increased the price of
diesel and capped LPG cylinders but didn't have the confidence to
take a confidence vote. The government will now push for
privatisation of pension funds and insurance," she said.
She found support in the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA),
whose convener Sharad Yadav joined the rally and lauded Banerjee's
effort to fight against FDI.
"Mamataji had stopped FDI in retail last time also and this time
too she is leading the fight. She is the real tigress of Bengal,"
said Yadav.
"India's strength is its farmers, and the introduction of FDI in
retail will affect them the most," he added.
Clearly hoping to leverage on the opportunity, the Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) supported the protest against UPA government by
Trinamool saying she was welcome to join the NDA.
"People can protest with us or separately and she is welcome to
join NDA," said BJP leader Balbir Punj.
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