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Maa, Mati, Manush and their interests matter to me: Mamata
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday pulled the plug from the United Progressive Alliance government over the issues of FDI in retail and the recent hike in diesel prices.
Following is her statement:
"We have decided to quit United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and our ministers will submit their resignations on Friday to Prime Minister in New Delhi. We cannot support price hike on diesel and reduction in subsidized LPG cylinders. Allowing Foreign Direct Investment in retail sector will kill poor farmers which we cannot accept."
"We waited for 72 hours for the UPA to respond as I gave them an ultimatum to rollback but unfortunately I did not receive any response from their end. I heard the Finance Minister yesterday saying that they are reluctant to withdraw the hike in prices. Hence, I am left with no other option but to quit the UPA alliances."
"The UPA always says that they are making a policy-decision, but a policy-decision cannot be different from state to state, they do this to discriminate between states."
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'Yes, we need reforms. But reform does not mean to sell out everything'
"Our ministers will go to Delhi on Friday and will submit their resignations at 3 pm to the Prime Minister. I really feel bad to announce this but I cannot accept any price hike, streaming on LPG subsidy or Foreign Direct Investment in multi-brand retail. I am concerned about the common people and will protest whenever decisions are taken against common man. Maa, Maati, Manush and their interest is of utmost priority to me."
"Yes, we need reforms. But reform does not mean to sell out everything to satisfy some sections of individuals. In a democratic set up, reforms must reach up to the poor and common people and the beauty of democracy lies on realizing its responsibility towards the common people."
"I am shocked to see the news just now about the increase in diesel prices by Rs 5 per litre and also imposing a restriction on usage of six LPG cylinders at subsidized rate per year. This decision is anti-people, as it will severely affect the interest of farmers and common people. It will add to overall price rise in various essential commodities, including vegetables."
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'Farmers and common people are our biggest asset'
Earlier, Banerjee wrote on her facebook page, "The common people and farmers are already overburdened. The government must realize that their decision is adding to their miseries. Farmers and common people are our biggest asset. The government should understand this and must withdraw this decision in favour of their interest."
"In my opinion, instead of continuing to burden the farmers and common people, by way of increase in taxes and prices of diesel and petrol to raise resources, the Centre should now start thinking of utilizing large amount of black money lying in the country and abroad. A substantial amount of it can be gainfully utilized for developmental work. Further, a large amount of 'benami' assets and funds need to be unearthed. This can also be used for development of the country."