Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chairperson Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India (ECI) at a rally in Bongaon today, amid ongoing political tension over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal.
Speaking at the Trikon Park rally, the TMC supremo questioned the hasty implementation of the SIR process and offered strong reassurances to the Matua community.
Delayed Arrival Spurs Attack on Opponent
The rally began with an unexpected logistical twist. Mamata Banerjee was initially scheduled to travel to Bongaon by helicopter. However, she was forced to take the road after she was informed that the government helicopter could not be used because its insurance had reportedly expired.
Addressing the audience, she apologized for the delay, but quickly turned the incident into a political talking point.
“First, I apologise to all of you for being a little late. There is a funny story behind it,” Banerjee said. “I haven’t used a helicopter for seven or eight months; I’ve been traveling to districts by car.
Today, I had a rally here, then I was supposed to go to Thakur Nagar and return. Before leaving, I suddenly got news that the helicopter wouldn’t fly. I thought, what a fun piece of news! The confrontation has started even before the election has begun.”
She claimed the forced road journey benefitted her as she met many people, enhancing her public outreach. Issuing a fierce challenge to the BJP, she added, “I tell the BJP repeatedly, do not come to play with me. If you try to play with me, the game I play will be one where you won’t be able to catch me, touch me, or even reach me.”
Warning Against ‘Vote-for-Cash’ Tactics
Mamata Banerjee reserved some of her sharpest criticism for the BJP’s alleged use of money and central agencies to influence voters.
“Let the entire government of India sit. Let all the agencies sit. Spend crores of rupees. Stuff the money and distribute it,” she challenged.
“People will take the money, but people will not cast their votes for you. If you give money once, how will they manage for years?”
Projecting herself as a symbol of ‘Nari Shakti’ (Woman Power) in Bengal, she stated her commitment to grassroots politics. “If I take up something, I finish it. I do not do politics for votes; I do politics for the people. As long as the Trinamool Congress is here, we will not allow anyone to touch you. The road itself shows me the way.”
Questioning the ECI on Electoral Roll Revision
The Chief Minister heavily criticized the ECI for the timeline of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, arguing that it was being rushed for political advantage.
“The SIR usually takes three years. We are not opposed to SIR,” she said. “But why is it being completed in two months?” She reiterated her accusation that the BJP and the ECI were acting in concert.
Matua Community Assured of Protection
Crucially, the TMC supremo offered a significant assurance to the Matua community, a large demographic group in the region. The Matuas have been a key focus of the BJP’s push for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Addressing the Matuas directly, she said, “While we are here, we will not allow anyone to chase you away. I am telling you, do not be afraid.”