With the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 approaching, Mamata Banerjee on Thursday intensified the campaign pitch from Pandabeswar, attacking the Centre over rising fuel prices and flagging concerns over alleged discrepancies in the voter list.

Addressing a public rally in the coal-mining belt, the Trinamool Congress supremo criticised the BJP-led central government over cooking gas prices and new booking rules. “I hear that the booking window for gas cylinders has been reduced to 25 days. If people run out of gas, what are they supposed to eat?” she said, adding that prices have surged significantly under the Bharatiya Janata Party government.

Banerjee also responded to speculation about possible restrictions or a “lockdown-like” situation, asserting that the state is prepared to handle any such challenge. “If we could fight against COVID-19, we can do it again this time,” she said.

Voter list row takes centre stage

A major portion of her speech focused on alleged irregularities in the voter list. Expressing concern over large numbers of names reportedly under scrutiny, Banerjee questioned the transparency of the process.

“I am told the list was released three days ago. Why have the lists not yet been displayed in public places? The Election Commission must answer,” she said.

She further claimed that even if a significant portion of excluded names is later restored, the credit would go to her party for pursuing the matter legally. “We have fought this battle all the way to the Supreme Court,” she asserted.

Directives to party cadre

From the stage, Banerjee issued clear instructions to party workers to assist affected voters. She urged them to collect documents from those whose names have been excluded and assured that legal support would be provided free of cost for appeals before designated tribunals.

“Ensure that not a single person’s name is left out,” she said, underlining the party’s focus on voter inclusion ahead of the polls.

Strong warning to opposition

In a sharp political message, Banerjee also warned her opponents against attempts to create unrest. “I stand by the people. But if anyone comes to incite unrest, remember—I am their nemesis,” she said.

As campaigning gathers momentum, the voter list controversy and rising cost of living are emerging as key issues, with both the ruling party and opposition sharpening their strategies in the run-up to the elections.

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