Poet of Protest: Mamata Banerjee's 26 Verses of Resistance

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee protests the special revision of electoral rolls by publishing a book of 26 poems titled 'SIR: 26 in 26'. Released at the Kolkata Book Fair, the poems address themes of democracy and protest. Banerjee sustains herself through book royalties.

In an evocative move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has turned to poetry as a means of protest amid political turmoil surrounding electoral roll revisions. Her latest book, 'SIR: 26 in 26', was unveiled on January 22 at the Kolkata Book Fair and features 26 poignant poems with titles like 'Panic', 'Doom', and 'Democracy'.

Banerjee dedicates the book to those affected by the 'ruinous game', highlighting a 'relentless campaign of fear'. One poem, 'Doom', implores for answers within the 'people's court', as 'Morgue' decries the current state of democracy. Banerjee's writings emerge from a profound 'spirit of resistance'.

Claiming the book was penned during her travels across three days, Banerjee, a prolific author with 163 books to her name, forgoes her chief minister salary and relies on royalties from her creative pursuits for personal expenses, further showcasing her multifaceted artistic talents.

(With inputs from agencies.)