Banerjee, whose Trinamool Congress suffered reverses in the recent Lok Sabha elections, greeted people at Red Road here where a crowd of over 25,000 had gathered to offer 'namaz'.
"In every social work, for the unity of the nation, secularism, tradition of the country and the state, for the development of the state, you always help us. You also deserve our help," she said. "If you are with us, then see, how we fight every battle. We will fight. There is nothing to be afraid," she said at an Eid-ul-Fitr congregation," Banerjee said at the gathering.
She further said one who is afraid is finished. But those who continue to fight, become successful. She also sent a strong message to her detractors on the occasion of Id-ul-Fitr, saying "whoever messes with us will be decimated". "We will protect our India. We will never turn away from our country. Hum se jo takrayega, woh chur chur ho jayega," she said, in a jibe at the Central government.
Banerjee has also been critical of BJP's use of the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram', alleging that the saffron party was mixing religion with politics by repeatedly using the phrase. The chief minister has lost her cool twice in the last few weeks over people chanting 'Jai Sri Ram' at some places in the state while her motorcade was passing through. "Hindus stand for 'tyaag' (renunciation), Muslims for 'imaan' (integrity), Christians for 'pyaar' (love) and Sikhs for 'balidan' (sacrifice). This is our beloved Hindustan and we will protect it," she told the gathering.
Notably, the TMC supremo has been alleging tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the general elections, and in the run up to it.
(With inputs from agencies)