CM: None above criticism, hate speech should be blacked out | Kolkata News

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Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday spoke out against hate speech at the inauguration of the Kolkata International Book Fair in Salt Lake. Without mentioning the controversy over the Modi documentary, she said no one should be above criticism, including herself. Hate speech should be suppressed across the country, she said. Let’s raise our voice to protect democracy. Let us speak up to preserve our history, our geography, our fundamental rights, our democratic rights and the rights of peoples. I condemn hate speech and it should be suppressed. I’m not saying free speech should be stopped, free speech is a right, but be polite. The Ambassador of Spain, the partner country, Jose Maria Ridao Dominiguez, was present at the book fair. Author Sirshendu Mukherjee was congratulated on this occasion. I am an insignificant person, but there is a lot of hate speech against me. A defamatory campaign is being waged against me at every step. My work may not be appreciated by everyone and I am not above criticism. I can learn a lot (from reviews) and nothing can be more valuable than this learning experience. If someone says a bad thing, don’t say bad things back. Calling for peace and unity, the CM said it was hurt to see some people trying to spread negativity in the country. Bengal and its landmark events such as the annual book fair celebrate unity in diversity and peace amid a shrill cry of war and aggression, she said. Despite its busy schedule, the CM managed to publish 128 books. This year, six more books are in the works. and some are also in English, she said, adding that nothing even prevents politicians from writing books. According to the CM, the book fair, with its permanent location, now has more space. There are booths from many countries like UK, USA, Russia, Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, Mexico and Thailand. Thus, the Kolkata Book Fair is truly an international book fair. Many states also participate in the book fair. The state government is providing all the infrastructural support to host the book fair, she added. According to sources, Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty has been specifically tasked with ensuring that additional bus services run until dark for the convenience of visitors. Fire Minister Sujit Bose has also been asked to ensure all fire safety and emergency measures are in place. The book fair, which will continue until February 12, this time has the highest attendance with around 950 stands.

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