In Photos: Humans of Mamata’s Dharna in Kolkata

The Quint met some people who had joined the West Bengal chief minister in her dharna. Here’s what they have to say.

Describing her sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police chief as a "non-political" protest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday, 4 February, said support has poured in for her from different quarters of the country.

The chief minister, who has been sitting on a dharna since 8.30pm Sunday on a makeshift dais at Metro Channel in Kolkata, said she will continue her “satyagraha” till the country and its Constitution are “saved”.

The unprecedented development came after the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with multi-crore chit fund scams.

The Quint met some people who had joined the West Bengal chief minister in her dharna.

“If the CBI had followed proper procedures, this would not have happened...We live in the peaceful land of Ma, Mati and Manush... The Centre should not try to create unrest here.”

Keya Mukherjee, Howrah

“I have come here to support my Didi. From noteban to GST, BJP is only causing distress to the ordinary people. I feel safe in Bengal. I won’t feel safe if the BJP comes. I have no faith in them.”

Mohd Isaiah, North Dinajpur

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked people to open bank accounts. Has he fulfilled his promise? Has he given any jobs? Has he helped the state government? He hasn’t done anything and now questions the TMC’s work in Bengal.”

Polly, Baghajatin

“We have not come here to support any party. We’ve come here to protest the misuse of CBI, ED. We want to save the country. Save it from the false, regressive policies of the BJP.”

Shahid, Bandel

“Mamata’s struggle in politics is historic. She’s really given shape to the Ma, Mati movement. She’s a strong leader, not only in Bengal but also nationwide. Would definitely like to see her as one of the prime ministerial aspirants.”

Ram Kishore Yadav, Kolkata

“I have come to support Mamata Banerjee. We want to take back the freedom that Modi has taken away from us. And we’ll do that by defeating the BJP in 2019.”

Upasana Chowdhury, Kolkata

“The BJP is playing dirty politics here. They are not able to defeat us, so they are unleashing the CBI. Didi is leading and we are following her.”

Ritam Acharya, Kolkata