NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government will be "removed from power" in the future. This statement comes days after her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), suffered a significant defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
During a meeting with party MLAs in Kalighat, the former Chief Minister stated, "BJP will be removed from power in Delhi in the coming days," according to TMC sources cited by ANI.
Background of the Electoral Defeat
The remarks were made after the BJP secured a decisive victory in the Assembly elections, winning 207 seats and ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule in the state. The TMC managed to win only 80 seats in the 294-member Assembly.
TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who was also present at the meeting, declared that the party would continue its political fight against the BJP despite the electoral setback. "Let them do whatever they want... raze down my home, send notice ... I won't bow down over these things. Come what may, my fight will continue against the BJP," he said.
Criticism of the New Chief Minister
Addressing party legislators, Abhishek Banerjee also took a swipe at the newly appointed Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari. "Our state had many chief ministers, but none like the current one. The one who was seen taking money on camera has been made CM," he said, according to TMC sources.
Post-Election Violence and Legal Action
Following the election defeat, the Trinamool Congress moved the Calcutta High Court regarding alleged incidents of post-poll violence across West Bengal after the BJP's victory. The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice Sujoy Paul.
According to the plea, incidents of arson, vandalism, and attacks targeting TMC workers and party offices were reported from different parts of the state after the election results. The petition sought protection for affected party workers and a proper investigation into the alleged violence.
Reports of clashes and vandalism emerged from Kolkata, Howrah, and several district towns, with both the BJP and the TMC accusing each other over the incidents. TMC leaders alleged that several party workers were killed after the election results and demanded a court-monitored investigation into the violence.
On May 14, Mamata Banerjee arrived at the Calcutta High Court wearing lawyer's robes to appear before Chief Justice Sujoy Pal in connection with the public interest litigation (PIL).
The Trinamool Congress has vowed to continue its political struggle against the BJP, both inside and outside the legislature, as it seeks to regain its foothold in West Bengal politics.
