Rally no longer a protest platform

Kolkata: It wasn't quite the grey, drizzly afternoon that have been the traditional backdrop for July 21 rallies. Nor did the crowd resembled a restlesss, hydra-headed monster agitating in protest. Rather, the Martyr's Day gathering on Thursday was a sea of heads united in expectation and hope weaved so successfully by Mamata Banerjee over the last five years of her rule.For Trinamool supporters, July 21 is now a platform for consolidation.
Even though the crowd has swelled over the years — on Thursday it was big enough to stall more than half the city — it has sobered down. While Mamata's speech didn't lack the sting, her message to her supporters was to be disciplined. "Stop fighting among yourselves and remember that nothing is more important than people's welfare," she reminded the gathering. Quite a departure from the war cries that she would deliver while in opposition.
And the transformation was evident in the people's reaction. Thousands who travelled from far-flung areas actually lapped up the message of stability. Haji Noor Mohammed Sheikh, who had come from Murshidabad, merrily read out the list of measures taken by the Trinamool government. "Kanyashree, Yuvashree, model hospitals, rice at Rs 2 a kg, better roads…What more can you ask for in five years?" he asked. People are happy that she is doing so much for the poor. At least, her efforts show and her intentions are beyond doubt," gushed Sheikh.
But hasn't the July 21 rally lost its defiant, anti-establishment fervour that pulled in people? Kalyan Chakrabarty, a former Trinamool block president from Nadia, didn't agree. Sitting on the stairs of a shop about hundred yards from the dais, he pointed at the gathering. "Till five years ago, they were looking for a shelter and redressal of their grievances. Now, they have no cause for complaints. Rather, they look forward to the rally to know what's in store for them. Mamata Banerjee has lived up to expectations and raised them as well," he observed.
Sukanta Das and Bankim Mahato – small-time traders from Binpur in Jangalmahal – attended the rally to find out if Mamata had more projects to announce. "She has done so much for Jangalmahal as well as the rest of the state. Each of her projects has helped the poor. This meeting will invariably be followed by more welfare schemes. We are eagerly waiting," said Das, who has been attending the Martyr's Day rally since 2011. Did she miss the fiery Mamata? No, said Das. "She spewed venom when she had to. Now, it's her turn to work for the people and we don't expect her to behave like she did when in opposition. She has delivered her promises and that's what matters," he reasoned.
Mamata will remain a symbol of protest even if she talks about consolidation, felt Rakhal Sil, a North Dinajpur resident. "She continues to stand up for the poor, even though she is the chief minister," On this day, she renews that pledge and so do we," said Sil.