Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar is contesting from Barasat. (News18)
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar to News18: “The woman who came out and cried has become the BJP candidate. It proves it was a fake thing. She was made to do this and fielded in the election. This was a ploy of the BJP. Things are not like what you have seen on TV screens.”
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a doctor, close lieutenant of West Bengal CM and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee and three-time MP of Barasat, is set for her fourth Lok Sabha poll battle. On her campaign trail, Dostidar told News18 how she thinks “half the things spread about Sandeshkhali are untrue, as the woman who cried was then made the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate”.
Edited excerpts:
Do you think people will vote for you for the fourth time?
People here have seen the development I have brought here using MPLAD fund and other schemes. This has been possible because my leaders showed me the way. It’s their effort. People love me here and are with me.
You have done ‘andalon’ with Mamata Banerjee. Has anything changed from then till now?
You have seen how many things have changed as far as development is concerned. Those were the days when Banerjee was fighting for the rights of the people. The state was in a dilapidated condition. There were no roads, electricity and students faced problem in studying. Hospitals did not function, there were no jobs. The state government was not bothered and everyday was a story of loot. There is drinking water at home, electricity. Mamata Didi has developed super specialty hospitals. Institutional delivery has increased. It is a government of the people.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has been implemented in your constituency in Matua. Do you think this will be a factor?
Matua hated the CAA. A minister from Matua says he will not give citizenship to people who support the TMC. People in Matua are already citizens, they vote and have voter ID cards. They are part of mainstream, we respect their movement. See what Shantanu Thakur did to Thakurbari, he manhandled Mamata Bala Thakur. We are with people.
The BJP is saying that you are misguiding Matua…
This was meant for minorities in the nation, but this is a ploy of the BJP to scare Bengalis. They should not sign the form.
Do you think increasing Lokhi Bhandar money will help you in elections?
Mamata Banerjee is working for the upliftment of women. Like Raja Rammohan Roy did widow remarriage or Vidyasagar did for women, Mamata Banerjee has educated 87 lakh girl children under Kanyasree. Banerjee has not spent on advertisements like ‘Beti Padhao’. She has spent money to educate. Every year, now girl children pass out more than boys.
What do you have to say on Sandeshkhali? Does that embarrass you that women came out and cried?
The woman who came out and cried has become the BJP candidate. It proves it was a fake thing. She was made to do this and fielded in the election. This was a ploy of the BJP. Things are not like what you have seen on TV screens. Half of the things are untrue.
Land grabbing, too, was fake?
The administration is looking into it. A lot of land was given back. Different officials are sitting there to handle complaints. The illegalities have been undone by the government.
You are one of the women faces of the TMC. How do you think the TMC will perform?
It will be more than 32 of the 42 seats. We may cross 35. Also, the BJP won’t make a mark.
