In a scathing address during a public meeting in Hooghly district, Union Home Minister Amit Shah drew parallels between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the despotic ruler from Satyajit Ray’s cinematic masterpiece ‘Hirak Rajar Deshe’. Shah suggested that if the legendary filmmaker were alive today, he would have directed a sequel titled ‘Hirak Rani’ to depict Banerjee’s governance.
Shah’s remarks echoed sentiments previously voiced by BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, who has often referred to Banerjee as ‘Hirak Rani’, accusing her of mismanagement and corruption. Speaking passionately, Shah emphasized Ray’s legacy as a celebrated son of Bengal and highlighted the enduring impact of ‘Hirak Rajar Deshe’, released in 1969.
The film, known for its allegorical portrayal of tyranny and resistance, starred Utpal Dutt as the oppressive ruler ‘Hirak Raja’ and Soumitra Chatterjee as the valiant teacher ‘Udayan Pandit’. Shah’s comparison underscored the perceived autocracy and alleged misrule under Banerjee’s administration.
Beyond cinematic analogies, Shah criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for fostering a culture of violence and appeasement in Bengal. He lamented the decline of nationalist fervor in a state renowned for its contributions to India’s freedom struggle, citing the sacrifices of unsung revolutionaries.
Furthermore, Shah accused the TMC of favoring infiltrators and criminal syndicates over marginalized communities, alleging widespread disenfranchisement and violence against BJP supporters. The Home Minister’s remarks aimed to galvanize support for BJP’s candidate Locket Chatterjee in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, intensifying the rivalry against TMC’s Rachana Banerjee.
With polling underway in West Bengal across multiple phases, Shah’s fiery rhetoric underscores the high-stakes battle for political supremacy in the state. As the electoral drama unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain, with the final verdict slated for June 4th.
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