West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) strategically positioned “cherry-picked” officers at the airport to create delays in her flight operations. She stated that her flight was held on the runway for 30 minutes, a scenario she alleges also affected Hemant Soren’s helicopter. Banerjee expressed frustration about the obstacles faced by her party, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), in obtaining necessary permissions for political meetings.

During her remarks, she claimed that a BJP leader assigned to oversee electoral duties has been causing disturbances for the residents in the district. “We had to struggle a lot to get permission for this meeting. There are efforts to obstruct our activities,” Banerjee said, indicating that this alleged interference is aimed at stalling her party’s initiatives.

Furthermore, she asserted that the BJP is attempting to file false cases against AITC workers as part of a broader strategy to secure electoral victory. “The local officer seems to be acting on instructions from the BJP even before granting permissions,” she stated, calling on local administrative officials to perform their roles impartially.

Concerns Over Electoral Integrity and Military Involvement

Banerjee urged the public to support AITC candidate Devdeep Purohit in the upcoming elections, emphasising the importance of vigilance regarding electronic voting machine (EVM) integrity and electoral process discrepancies. She raised concerns about the Central Government’s involvement, questioning why military resources are being utilised during the electoral process in West Bengal.

“The military’s primary purpose is to safeguard the country. Their involvement in elections raises serious questions,” Banerjee remarked, highlighting her apprehension about potential voter suppression tactics. She also noted the presence of armoured vehicles for the elections, challenging the authorities on the appropriateness of such measures in a democratic setting.

Banerjee expressed her belief that the BJP’s tactics are aimed at promoting a climate of fear rather than ensuring peace during the elections. She called on the electorate to stand firm against these alleged attempts to undermine democracy.

Criticism of the BJP’s Policy and Promises

In addition to her electoral concerns, Banerjee directed criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the unfulfilled promises regarding job creation and financial support to citizens. “Where are the promised 24 crore jobs? In reality, people are losing employment. The Reserve Bank of India’s reports indicate the government has failed its citizens,” she stated.

The Chief Minister further discussed the Women’s Reservation Bill, claiming that BJP has not implemented it in good faith, despite legislative support. She accused the party of manipulating various political mechanisms to secure an unfair advantage during elections.

Banerjee also voiced opposition to the potential for the BJP to implement a National Register of Citizens (NRC), which she argues could marginalise communities in the state. “I will not allow any resident to be driven out of Bengal,” she affirmed, warning of dire implications if the BJP wins control in the state’s elections.

Upcoming Elections in West Bengal

West Bengal is set to hold assembly elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026, with results to be announced on May 4. The legislative assembly comprises 294 seats, requiring a majority of 148 for control. In the previous Assembly elections held in 2021, the AITC secured a decisive victory with 213 seats, while the BJP obtained 77 seats.

These upcoming elections are crucial for all parties, particularly as they reflect broader political dynamics in the region. Banerjee’s statements hint at heightened tensions as various parties gear up for a competitive electoral landscape.

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