Didi hits back at intellectuals: 'You didn't make me CM'

PTI, ENS,  Kolkata, Jun 23 2013: A day after the intelligentsia of the city hit the streets protesting against the growing atrocities on women in the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today claimed they had little contribution in bringing poriborton (change) in the state while also accusing them of deserting her.

"The change did not come in two days. This was a fight for 34 years. But some of the intellectuals are claiming that they fed me with a spoon and I became the chief minister. It is not so."

Addressing a rally at Khatra in Bankura for the upcoming panchayat polls, Mamata also asked them: ""There had been several incidents, starting from the massacre in Marichjhapi to the brutal killing of the Anandamargis. Where were they at that time?"

Referring to her 26-day fast over the Singur land issue, she asked how many of the intellectuals who are now up in arms against her government were present then while thanking the noted writer Mahasweta Devi for her presence at the protest.

"I thank Mahasweta Devi for her efforts and inspiration. But the others are just taking credit for the good deeds that are a result of my untiring efforts. Those associated with cinema, theatre and literature can appeal to the people so that there is no crime against women," she added.

Mamata reiterated her criticism to "talk shows" on television channels. "Those making tall claims on television channels should help in increasing awareness against crime on women."

Earlier this week, in a scathing attack against television channels and panelists who appear in such shows, she had said that some of them are "involved in pornography", which brought her widespread criticism.

Mamata today also renewed her attack against the central government for "stifling the livelihood of the state by taking away all its revenue".

"The Centre takes away Rs 40,000 crore annually in the form of taxes and debt servicing, leaving us with nothing. Later, they give us a pittance and claim of regularly helping us financially," she said.

She also ridiculed the Congress for naming central schemes and roads after their leaders. "Why every road every scheme is named after Congress leaders? There is no dearth of great names in Bengal."

She criticised the Food Security bill, too. "Though we support food security, the proposed Bill is impractical and not a single penny has been earmarked for it. I ask the Congress to ensure food for the people instead of politicising the issue," she said.