Kolkata, March 28: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission on Saturday. She accused the commission of facilitating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming assembly elections through the transfer of IAS and IPS officers in the state.
Speaking at a public rally in Raniganj, Purba Bardhaman district, Banerjee claimed that the BJP has crossed all limits and that a ‘Lakshman Rekha’ must now be established. She referred to the Election Commission as a “vanishing commission” and alleged that it has transferred 50 to 100 officials from the state to Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Banerjee stated that these officials were well-acquainted with local conditions but have been moved away. According to her, this action aims to exert pressure on the public and facilitate the entry of illegal money, drugs, and outside goons. She also alleged that this move is an attempt to incite riots.
She criticized the BJP for removing names from the voter list, asserting that this too crosses established boundaries. “There should be a limit in democracy, and it must not be crossed,” she emphasized.
Banerjee raised concerns about the inaction of the administration during clashes that occurred during the Ram Navami procession in Murshidabad district. She noted that the administration is currently under the control of the Election Commission, and therefore, they should not be held accountable for these incidents.
“My officials have all been transferred, and now riots are being incited in Raghunathganj. Shops have been looted, and property has been damaged. When the time comes, we will not spare those who incite violence,” she warned. She also claimed that if the BJP comes to power, bulldozer politics will commence, leaving many homeless.
Referring to the bulldozer actions in Behala, Banerjee apologized to the affected individuals and assured them that their shops and properties would be rebuilt.
The Chief Minister accused the BJP of double standards. She pointed out that while the BJP labels the Trinamool Congress as corrupt, it itself raises funds through illegal coal mining.
During the rally, Banerjee reiterated West Bengal’s tradition of communal harmony, stating that people of all religions celebrate festivals like Ram Navami, Durga Puja, Eid, and Christmas together.
Additionally, she announced a rehabilitation package for landslide-affected areas in Raniganj. She mentioned that those wishing to relocate from these risky zones would receive 1 million rupees and two flats. The government will cover all relocation expenses.
So far, 2,000 flats have been constructed, with plans for an additional 4,000. Banerjee clarified that this process will be voluntary. She urged people to consider this proposal for their safety, as a major landslide could endanger thousands of lives.
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