Mamata alleges Vajpayee ji told her Dec 25 is not his birthday, announces book on SIR issues

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday inaugurated the 49th Kolkata International Book Fair, calling it India’s number one book fair and a globally discussed cultural event. Thanking Argentina, the partner country this year, she said books have no geographical boundaries and described the fair as a platform rising above religion, caste and community. She recalled visiting the fair even during her time in the opposition and said she feels proud every year while attending it.

Highlighting the scale of the event, Mamata said last year the fair witnessed 2.7 million visitors and book sales worth ₹23 crore. This year, the fair has 1,100 stalls with participation from 20 countries, and entry remains completely free. She announced that the Book Fair will complete 50 years next year and said the excitement for the milestone has already begun. The state government, she added, has declared a two-day holiday for Saraswati Puja.

Writer Saptamoy Chakraborty was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award during the inauguration. Mamata said 153 of her books have been published so far, with nine more set for release this year, including a book addressing issues related to SIR. She stated that her only income is from book royalties and claimed she has never taken a single penny from the government, adding that she pays even for tea, stays at circuit houses by paying bills, and has donated crores by giving up her salary.

Making several sharp remarks, Mamata said everyone has the right to criticise and that she does not stay silent when she sees wrongdoing. She expressed disappointment over people being made to stand in queues in the name of hearings and mentioned that over 100 people have died. She also claimed that Atal Bihari Vajpayee had once told her that December 25 was not his birthday. Announcing the creation of “Boi Tirtha” in Bengal, she allocated ₹10 crore immediately and said insurance for the Book Fair is necessary. Declaring herself a “home delivery” person, Mamata said she would continue to attend the Book Fair as long as she lives.