Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday slammed NDA led central government over WAQF amendment bill and price hike of medicines.
Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat Nabanna, Mamata said the ‘Jumla party’s (Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) only agenda is to divide the country.
“Our MPs are fighting for Waqf today. The Jumla Party's only one-point programme is to divide the country. They believe in divide and rule policy - something that we don't. We follow our Constitution. We should all first respect the Constitution before doing anything else. I listen to the sermons of Shri Krishna, and read Swami Vivekananda, Netaji, Gandhiji, Ambedkar, Abul Kalam Azad, and Ramakrishna. Religion serves its purpose when karma is fulfilled with humanity. If one’s karma is inhumane, they cannot pay their respects to any religion. I respect all religions,” said Mamata.
Taking further potshots at the BJP, the Chief Minister mentioned that Trinamool Congress (TMC) will hold protests across the state on April 4 and April 5 if the price hike of the life saving drugs are not withdrawn.
“Health is wealth but the central government did price hike on several emergency drugs. This can take a toll on health. I condemn this and request the central government to withdraw this decision or else TMC will protest at every wards, blocks between 4pm-5pm on April 4-5. I have earlier written to the Prime Minister over revoking GST from Medical insurances,” said Mamata.
Notably, The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced an increase in the prices of over 900 essential drugs from April 1. “Why is this central government there? When will they stop their jumla bazi? Before elections they make big promises but then forget everything after the elections,” added the West Bengal Chief Minister.
