Launching her campaign for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday addressed multiple rallies across North Bengal, mounting a sharp attack on the BJP-led Centre and the Election Commission of India (EC).

Beginning from what is widely regarded as a BJP stronghold, Banerjee held public meetings in Maynaguri, Jalpaiguri, and Matigara, setting the tone for an aggressive and high-voltage campaign.

A major highlight of Banerjee’s speeches was the controversy surrounding the supplementary voter list. She alleged that names were being deleted arbitrarily and that revised lists were released without transparency.

Referring to the late-night publication of the supplementary list, she claimed that crucial electoral decisions were being taken “under the cover of darkness,” undermining democratic principles and citizens’ rights.

Allegations over administrative transfers

The Chief Minister also criticized the Election Commission’s decision to carry out late-night transfers of senior administrative officials soon after announcing the poll schedule.

Calling it unprecedented, Banerjee alleged that such actions amount to direct interference in the state’s governance. She further claimed that “outsiders” were being brought in to control the administrative machinery and politically corner her.

Sharp attack on BJP

Launching a direct attack on the BJP, Banerjee accused the party of working in tandem with the EC. She alleged that rising prices of essential commodities, including cooking gas and petrol, have worsened public distress.

“The BJP and the Election Commission have conspired to strip me of everything. I may have nothing left, but I still have the people,” she said, asserting her reliance on public support.

Warning over election violence

Banerjee also warned of possible attempts to intimidate candidates during the campaign. She stressed that elections cannot be won through fear or violence.

In a sarcastic remark, she suggested that people might be forced to display posters declaring they are not affiliated with the BJP after the polls.

Without naming individuals, Banerjee took indirect aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing the central leadership of attempting to weaken Bengal.

She alleged that there is a broader plan to politically and economically undermine the state, even claiming that efforts are being made to “drag Bengal down.”

‘Technical glitch or mischief?’

At Matigara, Banerjee escalated her criticism, claiming that voter names were removed overnight and that even her own name had been marked for adjudication.

While the EC attributed the issue to a “technical glitch,” Banerjee questioned the explanation, asking whether it was a genuine error or deliberate manipulation. She accused the BJP of attempting to engineer a one-party system through systematic electoral interference.

With her aggressive outreach in North Bengal, Mamata Banerjee has significantly intensified the political battle ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, signaling a fiercely contested electoral season in the state.

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