Mamata Banerjee called on BJP to return black money to offset its 'cut money campaign' against her party.
Highlights
- The rally was a first since Trinamool's 12-seat setback in the 2019 polls
- "Where is the black money BJP promised to return," Mamata Banerjee asked
- "This election was a mystery, not history," she said about BJP's victory
Mamata Banerjee on Sunday launched her fightback for Bengal with a mega rally in Kolkata -- her first since Trinamool's 12-seat setback for in the Lok Sabha elections and BJP's 16-seat inroad.
She took the bull by the horns, calling on the BJP to return black money to offset its 'cut money campaign' against her party.
But what she said has been overtaken by how many people listened to her. In short, what was the turnout, the usual or less? No prizes for guessing: BJP called it a flop show.
But for a party that lost 12 seats in parliament two months ago, the turnout must have been a relief. It did not look disappointing, at least from the mega rally stage.
Mamata Banerjee raised clever slogans. Cut money is small change. BJP must return big buck black money, she said.
"Where is the black money BJP promised to return? Where did the BJP get the black money to fight elections like as lavishly as it did? Return the black money," she said.
Her other big slogan, throw away the EVM and return to the ballot.
"This election was a mystery... not history," she said about BJP's substantial victory.
If the Chief Minister's speech was punchy, the mood at the BJP office was upbeat too. BJP chief Dilip Ghosh called the rally a flop show.
"When there is a big rally here, the mood becomes different. There was nothing this time. It was a flop show. Lot of thunder but no rain," he said, adding, "The TMC leaders waited at rail stations to greet people from the districts. Nobody came. They made so much egg curry that the few people who showed up, were given four eggs each."
With 18 MPs, BJP can gloat a little.
But Mamata Magic is still real for many.
"If the BJP thinks they will form government in Bengal in 2021, they are day dreaming. Didi will be CM for the third time," said Bhabesh Das, a young supporter, who came from Bantala for the rally."
Expectations, however, have clearly been recalibrated. At last year's 21 July rally, her supporters wanted Didi for PM.
This time: a third term for the Chief Minister.