Won’t allow Rath Yatra, says Mamata Banerjee

22 opposition parties leaders attend TMC's rally

Prime Minister Narendra modi lashed out at the opposition parties saying their alliance is nor against me but against the people of India. Addressing a rally in Gujarat’s Silvassa, Modi said that currently they (opposition parties) are not even properly together and already have started bargaining for their share.

“In Kolkata, people are seeking help to save themselves but here, I am with you to take the country forward. My actions against corruption have infuriated some people. It’s but natural for them to get angry as I have prevented them from looting public money. Consequently, they have now formed an alliance called Mahagathbandhan,” he said.

As many as 22 opposition parties leaders are attending the mega rally convened by Trinamool congress chief Mamata Banerjee at Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata. Addressing the crowd, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that if the opposition parties don’t unite, PM Modi and BJP president Amit shah’s reign will continue. He said that the BJP is destroying the country’s institutions, adding that their only aim is to win the elections.

            Other than Kharge, those who are attending the rally include Akhilesh Yadav, Hemant Soren, Farooq Abdullah, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy (both JD-S), Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Sharad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav (RJD). The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and CPI(M)-led Left Front are not taking part in the rally. Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia are not attending the rally. However, Rahul had on Friday written a letter extending his support to the rally. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati is also not attend the rally. However, she has deputed senior party leader Satish Chandra Mishra to represent the BSP.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said the Opposition will work together to ensure that the Narendra Modi government is defeated in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

 Meanwhile, BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who created a controversy by attending the opposition's anti-BJP rally,said,"Agar sach kehna baghawat hai toh samjho hum bhi baghi hain . Main sach ke saath , sidhanton se samjhouta nahikar sakta (if stating facts is rebellion then I'm a rebel too. I cannot compromise untruths with principles).

         After the rally, the leaders will chalk its strategy to dethrone the BJP at Centre. Meanwhile, among political bigwigs that have already reached Kolkata for the rally include N Chandrababu Naidu, Omar Abdullah, HD Kumaraswamy, HD Deve Gowda, Akhilesh Yadav, Shatrughan Sinha among others. “You will witness how big the representation will be this year from all regions. Heavyweight national leaders, including a former Prime Minister and ex-Chief Ministers will attend this meeting," Banerjee said earlier. Five massive stages have been set up at the venue with the main stage, opposite the Victoria Memorial Hall, will accommodate senior leaders including Mamata Banerjee.On the right of the main stage there will be two stages, one for the MPs and State Government ministers and the other for the district presidents and functionaries.The party workers who started coming to Kolkata from the districts from Thursday, January 17 are being accommodated at Gitanjali Stadium, Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, Sector V and Central Park, Salt Lake and in dharamshalas in central and north Kolkata. From these places, the supporters will start marching towards ground zero at 6 am.A thousand-strong group of folk artistes from Jhargram will also take part in the rally. There will be around 100 camps spread across the city to assist the attendees. More than 2,000 party supporters will be engaged as volunteers.