With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday intensified her campaign against the BJP, framing the upcoming election as a decisive battle to protect “Bengali identity” and uphold the Constitution.

Addressing a public rally in Minakhan, Banerjee warned that a wrong electoral choice could have far-reaching consequences for the state, accusing the BJP-led central leadership of undermining democratic rights.

Speaking to a large gathering, particularly women, Banerjee said the fundamental question before voters was whether the identity and coexistence of Bengal’s diverse communities would survive.

“The issue today is whether the existence of Bengal, and the voices of Hindus, Muslims, Adivasis, Matuas, Namashudras, and all communities, will endure,” she said, alleging that the BJP aims to prevent people from exercising their voting rights.

Allegations of voter list manipulation

The Trinamool Congress supremo claimed that nearly 91 lakh names had been removed from the voter rolls, accusing both the BJP and the Election Commission of undermining democracy.

Announcing that she would once again move the Supreme Court, Banerjee said the alleged deletions amounted to a violation of fundamental rights. She expressed concern that even if names were restored after the polls, affected voters would be unable to cast their ballots.

“They are destroying the Constitution framed by Babasaheb Ambedkar,” she said, adding that such actions would not go unanswered.

Concerns over security deployment

Banerjee also raised objections to the increased deployment of central security forces in border areas ahead of the elections. She alleged that the forces could be used to obstruct voters from reaching polling stations, thereby suppressing turnout.

Cautioning voters, the Chief Minister warned against what she described as a “massive propaganda campaign” backed by significant financial resources.

She urged people to remain vigilant while voting and advised them not to cast ballots on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that appear to malfunction.

Election beyond governance

Highlighting her government’s development record, Banerjee emphasised that the upcoming election is not merely about forming a government but about safeguarding the identity and dignity of Bengal and its people.

With both the ruling All India Trinamool Congress and the BJP stepping up their campaigns, the political discourse in West Bengal is increasingly centred on identity, democracy, and electoral integrity as the state heads into a high-stakes electoral battle.