New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday intensified her criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party during an election rally in North 24 Parganas, urging voters to support the Trinamool Congress to safeguard the state’s future. Addressing a gathering in Tentulia, she questioned the credibility of the BJP and accused it of undermining democratic processes.
In a strongly worded remark, Banerjee stated that while even a snake could be trusted, the BJP could not, calling on people to vote decisively in favour of her party. She further alleged that central agencies lacked neutrality under the current government, claiming they were functioning in a biased manner.
The chief minister also accused the BJP of importing voters during the Assam Assembly elections. She claimed that the party, uncertain of securing sufficient local support, brought in large numbers of people from outside the state, including a significant group allegedly transported from Uttar Pradesh. According to her, such actions raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Banerjee additionally highlighted alleged irregularities in West Bengal’s electoral rolls, stating that around 90 lakh names had been removed during a recent verification exercise. She claimed that a majority of those affected were Hindus, followed by Muslims, and suggested that the deletions were politically motivated. Drawing a comparison with the NRC process in Assam, she pointed out similar patterns in the removal of names.
During the campaign event, Banerjee also interacted energetically with supporters, even joining in a brief dance performance at a local school venue.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress criticised the BJP’s election promises, particularly on issues of national security and infiltration, dismissing them as empty claims. The party also raised concerns about recent security incidents and questioned the lack of concrete data to support allegations of illegal infiltration.
Voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases later this month, with results scheduled to be announced in early May.
