PLU mingle with crowd, join Trinamool flagbearers in rally
Times of India | 22 July 2024
Kolkata: The July 21 Martyrs’ Day programme of Trinamool Congress witnessed an unprecedented turnout of professionals from middle-class and upper-middle-class backgrounds, groups that typically steer clear of political rallies. Many attendees drove their cars to the event with friends and families, reflecting a growing popularity of the party following key initiatives by the chief minister, such as hawker restrictions, parking regulations and promise of improvements in civic services in Kolkata, Howrah and other urban zones.
Tathagata Biswas (51), an IT professional, attended the rally with four neighbours and friends from Kasba.The group travelled in an SUV and parked under the Park Street flyover, walking to Victoria House to listen to the CM and other netas. “I may not be an active worker of the party, but I support the ideologies of our CM. We attended the rally to hear her vision after the party’s victory in last election, and we particularly appreciated her stance against corrupt party workers,” said Biswas, who often shares anti-fascist and anti-communal posts on social media.
Businessman Amit Sikdar (59) from Maniktala also attended the rally, travelling with a friend from Sodepur, who works at a private firm. “We initially planned to take our car but decided against it due to the crowd and parking issues. Instead, we took the Metro to Esplanade. Despite the rain, we thoroughly enjoyed the CM’s speech,” said Sikdar, who runs a battery manufacturing unit.
Asim Basu, councillor of ward 70 and member of the mayor-in-council (West Bengal Urban Employment Scheme), noted the significance of the turnout: “It is reassuring that people-like-us (PLU) are increasingly attending our programmes voluntarily, especially after our CM’s introspection over the erosion of urban votes in the recent LS poll.”
Angelina Mantosh Jasnani, president of the Catholic Association of Bengal, was also present at Dharmatala. “I was there to listen to the person who has provided dignity to women in Bengal. I am amazed that Didi never forgets those who lost their lives for the party,” said Jasnani, who helped guide attendees from different districts.
Anirudha Mitra (56) from Salkia, who works as an accountant, left his cellphone at home to avoid it getting wet or stolen in the crowd. “I am an ardent supporter of Mamata Banerjee. I wanted to hear what the CM had to say about corrupt elements. Her tough words give me hope that reforms will be implemented,” said Mitra.
Sumit Kundu (47), a resident of Salt Lake’s CB block who runs a family business, attended the rally with his cousins. “I had previously gone to Brigade rallies and was glad to attend this one. It was a fun experience with my cousins and friends,” said Kundu.
Subhashis Ghosh (50), an IT employee from Salt Lake’s Purbachal, attended it as a common citizen rather than a party member. “I have immense respect for Mamata Banerjee and attended previous Martyr’s Day rallies, too. Sunday being a holiday, I seized the opportunity to attend it again,” he said.