West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party brought people from outside to influence the recently held Assembly elections in Assam.
Addressing a rally in Tentulia in North 24 Parganas, she claimed that the BJP lacked confidence in winning support from local voters. “A trainload of 50,000 people was brought to Assam from Uttar Pradesh,” she alleged.
Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly was conducted in a single phase on April 9.
“No Agency Is Neutral Under BJP”: Mamata
Stepping up her attack, Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government of compromising institutional neutrality. “No agency in the country remains neutral… the saffron party has bought them all,” she said.
She further intensified her criticism with a sharp remark, saying, “Even a snake can be trusted, but not the BJP.”
Claims of Similar Strategy in West Bengal
The Trinamool Congress chief alleged that the BJP was attempting to replicate similar tactics in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
She claimed that outsiders, money, and illegal substances were being brought into the state to influence voters. Referring to recent administrative changes, she said, “People, money and drugs are being brought in, but our workers will fight it out and win.”
A number of police and administrative officials in the state were transferred by the Election Commission after the poll schedule was announced.
Row Over Voter List Deletions
Banerjee also raised concerns over voter list revisions, alleging that around 90 lakh names were deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Citing media reports, she said, “Out of 90 lakh names deleted, 60 lakh are Hindus and 30 lakh are Muslims.” She added that many Scheduled Caste voters were also affected and claimed deletions had taken place even in her own constituency.
“I am not worried, I have faith in people; we will get all the remaining votes on the voter list,” she said.
NRC and Minority Concerns
Referring to the National Register of Citizens exercise in Assam, Banerjee claimed that out of 19 lakh people excluded, 13 lakh were Hindus and 6 lakh were Muslims.
She used the example to argue that communities across religious lines could be affected by such processes.
Food Habits and Migrant Issues Raised
Banerjee also accused the BJP of interfering in people’s food choices, claiming that a similar approach could be imposed in West Bengal if the party comes to power.
“People here eat according to their choice, but such is not the situation in BJP-ruled states,” she said.
She further alleged that migrant workers from West Bengal face hardships in BJP-ruled states and questioned the Centre’s ability to ensure their safety.
“You cannot protect West Bengal’s people in other states, but promise a ‘Sonar Bangla’ at rallies,” she said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
High-Stakes Bengal Elections Ahead
The remarks come amid rising political tensions ahead of the two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4.
