Month-long celebration in Bengal as TMC turns 20!
What's the story
Trinamool Congress (TMC) celebrated its 20th birthday yesterday. The party will celebrate in grand style with month-long celebrations. Circulars have been distributed to conduct social welfare and development activities. Booth-level party members have been instructed to connect with people at the grassroot level. They have also been asked to spread awareness about schemes initiated by the state government. What has TMC planned? Read on!
About
What is the Trinamool Congress?
CM Mamata Banerjee founded the All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) in January 1998, after separating from Congress. TMC was responsible for breaking Left's 34-year-old monopoly in Bengal. Its values focus on secularism and populism. Currently, with 19 seats in LS, it is the sixth largest party. TMC also has a presence in Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal. In 2016, it was declared a national party.
Planned celebrations
What has TMC planned?
In the first week, TMC has planned social and cultural programmes. Camps will distribute fruits and woolen garments. Blood donation camps will also be set up. Birth anniversaries of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Bose will be celebrated with great gusto. Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary will also be observed. Booklets about the party's developmental activities have been distributed among booth-level workers.
Significance
How important is TMC to Bengal politics?
With the mantra "Maa, Mati, Manush" and the "poriborton" promise, Mamata has been the CM for two consecutive terms. Now, BJP is making quiet inroads in Bengal. But, Mamata is a quintessential mass leader. She makes frequent visits to districts for holding administrative meetings. She knows the people's pulse. Currently, TMC alone can combat BJP, by departing from identity politics and focusing on development.