Acknowledging her debt to Nandigram, Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that when she came to power she will give the East Midnapore block whatever it will ask for.
“I salute the courageous people of Nandigram who raised their voices against oppression and injustice. You people have made enormous sacrifices for the protection of democratic rights,” she said. Ms Banerjee was addressing an election rally at Tekhali in Nandigram.
She frequently referred to the andolan the people of Nandigram had launched against the proposed chemical hub in 2007.
“Not a chemical hub, we will set up an eco-friendly industry here which will benefit among others the fishermen. We will set up school, madrasas, colleges and hospitals. We will set up separate schools and colleges for girls. Whatever Nandigram wants Nandigram will get,” she added. Ms Banerjee promised to usher in an industrial revolution in the region without forcibly acquiring farmland.
Nandigram along with Singur played a key role in Ms Banerjee’s political resurrection after her party was decimated in the 2006 Assembly polls.
She made it clear that she will always remain grateful. “I can forget my own name but can never forget the name of Nandigram which is another name for sangram (agitation),” she said.
In an attempt to show how close Nandigram was to her heart, Ms Banerjee went so far as to announce that if she got a chance in life then she will eventually make it her abode.
“Nandigram and Singur were turning point in our movement against this oppressive government,” she added. Dozens of Trinamul Congress workers are facing arrest for their involvement in the violent agitation which had resulted in the police firing on March 14, 2007.
“When I will come to power I will review all such false cases,” Ms Banerjee assured the people. After Khejuri, she addressed rallies at Patashpur, Chandipur and Panskura. She expelled four party leaders of Chandipur for their anti-party activities.