Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised the extension of custody for Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das, describing the move as an attack on democracy and demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, Mamata alleged that state power was being misused to silence dissent and suppress young protesters.
She said the decision to extend the two leaders’ custody was aimed at undermining democracy and demanded an immediate end to the alleged crackdown on protesters.
Warning those in power, Mamata said that those holding office today would not remain in power forever.
The Trinamool leader claimed that repression was increasing across India, from Kolkata to Delhi and Mumbai, reaching unprecedented levels.
Drawing parallels with India’s freedom struggle, she said freedom fighters had also faced oppression under British rule but continued their struggle with unwavering courage and determination.
Mamata described the current situation as “state-sponsored terror”, alleging that the repression was being carried out with police support.
She said attempts to silence ordinary people through the misuse of state power could not continue indefinitely.
Calling for unity in defence of democracy and the Constitution, Mamata said the arrogance of those in power would be challenged when people took to the streets with determination.
She expressed confidence that ordinary people would ultimately prevail and that anti-democratic forces would be defeated.
Mamata reiterated her demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das, saying the authorities should release them if they had even the slightest faith in democracy.
The extension of the two CJP leaders’ custody and demands for their release have sparked fresh political controversy over youth activism, the right to dissent and the use of state power.
