Mamata holds road show in her constituency Bhowanipore

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee on Sunday held yet another mammoth road show in the city, this time in her constituency Bhowanipore, urging people to bring her to power again.

Flanked by party legislator Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay among others, Banerjee started off the road show from Suhashini Ganguly Sarani near her residence, decrying the "three months" long assembly polls scheduled by the Election Commission.

"I have grown up amid you and went on to become an MP and then an MLA from Bhowanipore. I belong to all of you and I seek your blessings and best wishes.

"It would have been an honour for me if I could go to each and every house and seek your blessings but because of time crunch I am unable to do that.

"Never before in Bengal, elections have been held for such a long period, three months long," said Banerjee, before starting off the march across her constituency.

Amid an audience that included her close relatives, neighbours and long-time acquaintances, Banerjee said: "I am contesting from all the 294 constituencies."

There was a sea of humanity as people of all ages carrying party flags and symbols followed her while many others stood on balconies and rooftops or queued up on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of their "Didi" as Banerjee greeted them with folded hands or waved at them flashing a big smile.

Some blew conch shells, others threw flower petals.

Amid chants of "Thanda Thanda Cool Cool, Everywhere is Trinamool", Banerjee, braving the hot and humid conditions, walked on.

Banerjee's cut-outs, posters and pictures of various sizes along with the Trinamool tricolour fluttered while loud speakers placed all across Bhowanipore played the Trinamool anthem composed and sung by famed musician Anupam Roy.

Taking on the microphone every now and then, Banerjee appealed to the people to vote for Trinamool candidates and also accused her opponents of initiating a whispering campaign.

"Opposition parties are spreading falsehood, and money is being used to indulge in a whispering campaign. I have also heard people from outside have been brought here for a whispering campaign.

"But I have faith in the people and it's the people who will give them a befitting reply," she said.

Banerjee also asserted that the development work carried out by her government in the last four and half years, would be a "subject of global research".

She also repeatedly sought forgiveness for her inability to visit every home.

"Despite this heat and humidity, I have already attended 130-140 meetings and will be conducting many more. As I have to hold meetings for all the 294 seats, I am stretched for time. I would have been honoured if I could visit every home and seek your blessings," she added.

The road show ended in Gopalpur area in Kolkata where a huge crowd waited to greet her.

--IANS

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