Banerjee says celebrations can wait, tackling Covid-19 is priority

KOLKATA: Once the pandemic is over, a mega rally will be organised in the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata,” she said.

The chief minister also hit out at the Election Commission over its conduct of the polls, alleging her party was treated badly.

Taking a dig at the BJP, Banerjee said while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah spoke of a “double-engine” government, her party “hit a double-century”.

“I targeted 221 as this is 2021. We neared that figure and I thank the people of Bengal,” she said.

Banerjee alleged “mischief” in Nandigram, asserting that she will move court.

“I respect the verdict of the people of Nandigram. Let people of Nandigram decide. Whatever their verdict is, I accept it,” she said.

Thanking the people of the state as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) headed for a landslide victory in the assembly elections, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said West Bengal has “saved” India with its mandate.

Banerjee said tackling the pandemic was her priority, and asked party leaders not to organise any victory rally.

“It is the victory of the people of Bengal, the victory of democracy. Bengal has saved India today. This landslide victory came after fighting against several odds — the Centre, its machinery, its agencies. This victory has saved humanity,” she said.

Banerjee said that even though her party received a landslide mandate, no grand oath-taking ceremony will be organised.

“Tackling Covid-19 is my priority right now. It’s no time for celebrating victory.