Mamata Banerjee Alleges BJP and Election Commission Orchestrated Riots Through Officer Transfers
In a fiery election campaign address delivered in Raniganj on Saturday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government and the Election Commission of India. She accused them of conspiring to transfer state administrative officials deliberately to facilitate organized riots in the region.
Claims of Administrative Sabotage and Violence in Raghunathganj
Banerjee asserted that administrative power had been forcibly taken from her hands, enabling violent incidents such as the recent riot in Raghunathganj, Murshidabad district. "You caused a riot in Raghunathganj yesterday. BJP, you did it. You should be ashamed, BJP. That's why you removed people (officers): so you could incite a riot," she declared. The Chief Minister emphasized that the primary motive behind stripping her of authority was to create such unrest, which resulted in injuries to as many as 35 individuals.
Describing the violence as "really unfortunate," Banerjee contrasted it with peaceful religious observances in Bengal. "We too celebrate Ram Navami and take out processions, but we never incite violence. Who gave you the right to destroy someone's house? You came out of the rally and burned shops and houses. We won't spare you. Remember, people will pass the verdict on you," she warned.
Appeals for Unity and Cultural Heritage
Highlighting Bengal's tradition of communal harmony, the Chief Minister called for unity among all religious communities. "In Bengal, we live with all religious communities in unity. Religion means humanity. Society can only function when we take everyone along with us," she stated.
Banerjee invoked historical and cultural icons to reinforce her message. She cited examples such as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's close associate Shahnawaz Khan, Rabindranath Tagore's Santiniketan in Bolpur, and Kaji Nazrul Islam's birthplace in Churulia. "I would urge communal people to read our literature. They would then know that Nazrul wrote countless Shyamasangeet," she remarked, underscoring the region's rich, inclusive heritage.
Criticism of Demolitions and Administrative Actions
The Chief Minister also expressed strong opposition to various demolition activities, questioning the legitimacy of actions like those in the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and a Kali temple in Delhi. "I am questioned every day for building the Jagannath Dham. Ask them who gave them permission to demolish houses and shops," she challenged.
Banerjee further criticized the administration for inaction, particularly referencing an incident in Suri where guns were allegedly carried in a procession. "I don't know why the administration is not taking action. Please don't blame me for the law and order situation. I don't have any power left since all the officers have been changed. BJP has cherry-picked officers," she explained.
Allegations of Strategic Transfers and External Interference
She alleged that around 100 officials with local expertise had been transferred to Kerala and Tamil Nadu, a move she claimed was designed to assist the BJP in smuggling cash, arms, and drugs into West Bengal. Addressing the newly posted officers, Banerjee advised, "remember, you are in the state administration. Focus on people, there's no need to look at me."
The Chief Minister urged the administration to conduct regular naka checks to prevent outsiders from fomenting trouble. "Outsiders have come here in large numbers. Money comes in vehicles belonging to central forces. I have several documents with me. Is this the reason for changing the officers? I still believe those who are in the administration are not biased," she concluded, maintaining a stance of trust in the administrative machinery despite the allegations.
