What Do People in Bengal Think About Mamata Banerjee’s Dharna?

The Quint spoke to people in the area where Mamata Banerjee was holding the dharna to learn what they thought of it.

The Quint spoke to people in the area where Mamata Banerjee was holding the dharna in Kolkata, to find out what they thought of it.

(Photo Courtesy: Altered by The Quint)

Video Producer: Srishti Tyagi
Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s dharna has finally been called off after the Supreme Court directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam, while making it clear that he would not be arrested.

To avoid all "unnecessary controversy", the apex court also directed Kumar to appear before the investigating agency at a neutral place in Shillong on dates as may be fixed by the CBI.

The Quint reached Metro Gully – the lane right opposite to where Mamata Banerjee was holding the dharna in Kolkata – to find out what people of Bengal thought of the event.

‘Mamata Reaction Correct But Blown Out of Proportion’

“Right now, it looks like a huge pantomime, but it seems justified to me because the CBI does not have the jurisdiction to arrest the commissioner of police without a high court warrant or consent of the state. But even though the actions and reactions are justified, it has been blown out of proportion.”

Soumyadeep, Student

“We think the <i>dharna </i>was good because Narendra Modi targets all those who speak against the BJP. Is everybody corrupt? Is he the only one who is good and not indulging in corruption? Leaders are busy fighting. You understand my point?”

<b>Mohd Israel, </b><b>Shopkeeper</b>

‘This Was Didi’s Message to Modi to Back Off’

“This entire stance taken by her is to divert the political and public attention to herself. It’s a message to Modi that she is the leader and head, so Modi better back off.”

<b>Anuradha Poddar, </b><b>Student</b>

“I guess it was a ploy by the BJP to disrupt what the the other coalition had going on, but Mamata made most of it and used it as publicity.”

<b>Snehashree, Student</b>

Does Mamata Banerjee Stand a Chance to Become the PM?

“She could be, the way she is putting herself in a leadership position now. She might garner support from rest of the coalition.”

<b>Snehashree, Student</b>

“Narendra Modi is zero in front of Mamata <i>didi</i>. Mamata is Mamata.”

<b>Mohd Israel, </b><b>Shopkeeper</b>