During the 'padayatra', West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came down heavily on the BJP government at Centre and the Opposition CPI(M) and Congress. (Press Trust of India photo)
Thousands of people from different communities today took part in Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee's 'padayatra' in the city for the ongoing Assembly elections braving April summer heat.
During the 'padayatra', Ms Banerjee came down heavily on the BJP government at Centre and the Opposition CPI(M) and Congress. She walked almost eight kilometres from Suhashini Ganguly Sarani in Bhowanipore till Gopalnagar Road in her Bhowanipore constituency, where she is contesting the Assembly elections.
Starting the 'padayatra' from the Bhowanipore area along with party leaders Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, Tapas Paul, later joined by Firad Hakim and her family members, Ms Banerjee was followed by a sea of supporters draped in party flags, coloured-faces blowing conches, throwing flowers and chanting "didi... didi".
"It's my para... It's the area (Bhowanipore) where I have grown up and went on to become an MP and then an MLA. I belong to this place and to all of you and I seek your blessings," Ms Banerjee said.
"Despite this heat, I have attended 130-140 meetings and will be conducting many more. As I have to hold meetings for all the 294 seats I do not have much time... Wish I could have gone to every house individually but there is not much time. Hopefully you will forgive me for this," Ms Banerjee said.
She also rued that this year's Assembly elections were spread over such a long time.
"Assembly elections in West Bengal were never held for such a long period of three months. And Delhi (the BJP-led Central government) is doing so much politics regarding this year's elections. They have done so much damage spreading false rumour against us," Ms Banerjee said.
Continuing her tirade at the Opposition, she said, the CPM and Congress have contributed nothing more than spreading falsehood against us. They have also started whispering campaign these days where money is also being used. Further I have heard people from outside have been brought in here for a whispering campaign."