Mamata Banerjee Criticizes BJP and Election Commission, Claims Democracy is Under Threat

Kolkata, April 29: The second phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 is underway. In this context, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is contesting from the Bhawanipur constituency as a candidate for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), visited a polling station in South Kolkata and made serious allegations regarding the electoral process.

Speaking to reporters, Banerjee claimed that her party workers had faced violence. She stated, “Look at how our worker was beaten last night. What kind of hooliganism is this? Voting should not happen this way; it should be peaceful. Elections are a festival of democracy, but there is an attempt to completely ruin it.”

She directly targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of attempting to rig the elections. Banerjee emphasized that TMC workers would remain steadfast in their positions, regardless of the challenges they face.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns about external interference in the electoral process. She noted that several officials and observers were brought to Bengal who do not understand the state’s conditions. According to her, some observers are targeting TMC agents and exerting pressure at police stations.

Banerjee made serious allegations against central security forces as well. She remarked, “Last night, the CRPF acted at the home of the councillor of Ward 70 without local police. Only his wife and child were present at the time, yet vandalism occurred.” She described this incident as an atrocity, stating that she remained awake all night to monitor the situation.

Additionally, she accused external observers of working at the behest of the BJP. She asserted, “What the BJP says is being done. Even our posters have been removed. Is this how elections are conducted? Voters will cast their ballots, not the police or security forces.”

The Chief Minister reiterated that both her party and she personally want the voting process to be completely peaceful. She urged voters to cast their votes fearlessly and participate in the democratic process.