BJP trying to change Constitution via UCC, says Abhishek in Binpur

Kolkata: Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday accused BJP of attempting to alter the Constitution through the uniform civil code and warned that the Centre may raise LPG prices to Rs 2,000 a cylinder once assembly elections are over.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Binpur, an ST-reserved constituency in Jhargram, Banerjee said the UCC Bill tabled in the Gujarat assembly two days ago was evidence of BJP's intent. "If UCC is implemented, it would impact scheduled tribes the most," he said. He was campaigning for sitting state minister Birbaha Hansda.


Banerjee alleged BJP was not content with winning votes but wanted to dictate "what we wear, eat or say," and that Trinamool was the only party standing in its way.

Addressing rallies later in Kolaghat and Kulpi, he turned to rising prices. "They have temporarily paused price hikes until the polls. But mark my words — the day polls are over, LPG may go up to Rs 2,000, and petrol and diesel to Rs 200," he said.

The Diamond Harbour MP challenged the Prime Minister and the Union home minister to publicly promise no price hikes, saying Trinamool would withdraw its candidates if they did.

Taking a dig at state leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Banerjee questioned BJP's record in East Midnapore, where a "double-engine govt" exists.

"If anyone can tell me what BJP has done in the past few years — even at a single gram panchayat — I will stop asking for votes," he said.

Banerjee also issued a challenge to the Election Commission, saying voters had already made up their minds regardless of administrative changes.

"Trinamool will win over 250 seats and BJP will fall below 50. It's the people who vote, not ED, CBI or CEC Gyanesh Kumar," he said.