West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee asks lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar to compose a song on Trinamool’s slogan “Khela Hobe.” The CM met Javed Akhtar and actor Shabana Azmi during her four-day visit to Delhi.
Also read: West Bengal chief minister bids to unite the Opposition against the BJP; will meet several party leaders on 28 July
Javed Akhtar’s briefing on the meeting
After meeting Ms. Banerjee, Javed Akhtar said that the country needs ‘parivartan’ or change. And that Bengal is known for spearheading various revolutionary movements.
He also said:
“It was a courteous meeting. This is the history of Bengal that it had led the revolutionary movements. Artists and intellectuals of Bengal support Mamata ji.”
“We congratulated her on her victory. We are grateful to Mamata ji for her support in the amendment in the Royalty Bill so that music composers, songwriters, lyricists can be benefitted from the royalty.”
He further added, “I believe that there should be change, there are so many tensions in the country right now. There is the issue of polarisation. Many give aggressive statements. It is a matter of shame that Delhi witnessed communal riots”.
Javed Akhtar’s answer on whether Mamta Banerjee should lead the nation
To that question, Mr. Akhtar said: “In our little conversation, she never said that leadership is her priority. She believes that she wants a parivartan. Earlier she fought for Bengal and now she wants to fight for a change in India.”
“Who will lead the country is not important but how the Hindustan will be that is most important. Democracy is dynamic and constant in process.”
Origin of the slogan
Mamta Banerjee asked Javed Akhtar in front of media people to compose a song on the slogan. It is to be noted that the slogan “Khela Hobe” was the TMC poll slogan for the 2011 West Bengal elections.
However, it became immensely popular and became the unofficial theme of the poll battle between TMC and BJP.
Reason for the CM’s visit to Delhi
The CM has been deliberating with opposition parties in order to form a united front for the 2024 general elections. The meeting has been going on since July 26.
Ms. Banerjee also met the PM on July 27. Other leaders who met Mamta Banerjee included Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and RJP leader Lalu Prasad Yadav.
The endgame
With the prime motive of defeating the BJP in the upcoming 2024 general election, Mamta Banerjee on July 28 discussed “the unity of Opposition” with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
She also said that it was essential for everyone to come together in order to defeat the current ruling party.
