Mamata launches 'BJP Quit India' campaign

While the nation is commemorating the 75th anniversary of Quit India Movement, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has launched the "BJP Quit India Movement" to oust the saffron party from the country.

"Democracy, secularism and rights of people are threatened under BJP government at the Centre. We will work with all opposition parties; 'BJP Quit India in 2019' will be our slogan," Mamata said at a public meeting in West Midnapore yesterday.

The chief minister alleged that the BJP was practicing divisive politics to destroy the secular fabric of the country.

"The BJP-led government is trying to divide the country. We will not allow it. We want this politics of communalism and hatred to come to an end. Democracy will triumph against all odds.

"This is an all-Bengal movement. All the districts, down to the block-level, will be covered. The agitation will continue till September 5," she added.

Cracking down on dissidents in Gujarat, the Congress yesterday expelled for six years eight of its MLAs who cross-voted in Wednesday's Rajya Sabha elections.

AICC general secretary incharge of Gujarat unit Ashok Gehlot said he has also recommended the expulsion of six of its legislators who had earlier resigned as MLAs. Three of them had later joined BJP.

Asserting that indiscipline will not be tolerated in the Congress, Gehlot said those expelled were indulging in anti- party activities.