Mamata’s ‘Save India’ Dharna Evokes Memories of 2006 Singur Stir

It is believed that it was the Singur agitation that helped Mamata end the 34-year Left Front rule in the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been sitting on a dharna at Kolkata’s Metro Channel since late Sunday, 3 February, along with Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. As the state plunged into an unprecedented crisis, three slogans were being used: “Save Democracy”, “Save the Constitution” and “Save India”.

The call for a dharna came after the CBI reached Kumar’s residence to question him in connection with a ponzi scam case.

After holding a meeting with Kumar and other senior officials, Mamata arrived at the Metro Channel and called for an indefinite strike and said her government will now function from the dharna.

Today’s Dharna Reminds of 2006 Singur Agitation

The sight of Mamata taking to the streets has evoked memories from 2006 when she sat on a 26-day long fast protesting against the forcible land acquisition in Singur by the Tata Motors for its Nano car factory. It is believed that it was the Singur agitation that helped Mamata to end the 34-year-rule of the Left Front in the state.

Interestingly, the site of the dharna – the Metro Channel – is the same as the one where she carried out her hunger strike in 2006.

#MamtaBanerjee calls out the vendetta. Why on a Sunday, why on last day of CBI chief’s term, why just when spotlight is on the jobs report suppressed by the Modi govt. Her political acumen is shark-sharp. This could be a Singur moment. But is important she play it by the rule too

— Shoma Chaudhury (@ShomaChaudhury) February 3, 2019

In 2006, Mamata was fighting to “save the farmlands”, and now her fight is to “save Democracy”.

Mamata has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah of plotting a ‘coup’.

“Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have teamed up to humiliate Bengal. They are trying to stage a coup in the state simply because I organised the opposition meeting on 19 January. This is worse than the Emergency,” Mamata added late on Sunday night.

Mamata has said that her strike will continue till the “situation is resolved” in the state.

‘History Repeats Itself’

Remembering Mamata’s 26-day hunger strike, users on Twitter pointed out what had happened in 2006 and said ‘history is repeating itself’.

Mamata is fearless.
She won't bow down to that Gujarati rogues. As bengali We've seen how she fought against cpim,conducted #Singur #Nandigram andolon & uprooted left from the power.
We might not like her as CM but we should support #Agnikonya at this #ConstitutionalCrisis.

— A Quantum Dot (@aQuantumDot) February 3, 2019

Smart move by Mamata Banerjee by sitting in dharna and not going to court, along with the police personnel. She is trying to recreate Singur protest. If 356 implemented by Gov she can show it as fascism of Modi govt and gain sympathy vote, if not TMC/police run havoc in state.

— Ankur Ambasta (@ankurambasta) February 4, 2019

However, a few Twitter users said that Mamata is creating the same hype that she created during 2006 Singur case.

We are tired of viewing Mamata's false statements and viewing dramas for confusing public.She is against Hindu religion and pro-islamists.She is trying to raise a hype as she had done in Singur.If she is not stopped,bad days for democracy must then be coming.

— ARUN KUMAR DUTTA (@twitpolitan) February 3, 2019

While the BJP aggressively campaigns to win over Bengal, several Opposition leaders have come out in support of Mamata, as the protest against the Centre gains pace in the state.