Our great country is on the edge of a precipice
Majoritarianism is destroying our constitutional democracy
Journalists are being attacked, minorities are being bullied and institutions are being undermined
This is the time to stand up and be counted
The values that i hold dear, the values of the republic that was born in 1947, of plural multi faith India are in serious danger. A darkness is descending.
One leader has stood up for multi faith India, Mamata Banerjee, with a remarkable life story and indomitable courage
I thank her for giving me this opportunity. I hope to represent the voice of Bengal and of India in parliament. As a Bengali woman and a modern Indian, i hope to use this platform to be of use to citizens and ensure that citizens get their just rights.
I was a journalist for 3 decades, but over the last 3 years had quit the newsroom to focus on columns and books. I valued my independence but now i feel the time the non -alignment is over. We need to pick a side. Which side are you on? Are you on the side of hatred and divisiveness or are you on the side of tolerance and multi identity multi cultural India.
With this unique opportunity in the Rajya Sabha i hope i can keep alive that india which believes, tenaciously believes, in justice, equality and pluralism. Joy bangla. Jai hind.
