Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission and Officers of Bias, Vows Legal Action
In a series of fiery rallies across West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission and officers deputed by it, alleging blatant bias in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at events in Haldia, North 24 Parganas, and Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo demanded that IPS and IAS officers maintain independence and refrain from political partisanship.
Call for Independent Functioning of Officers
"If you are an IPS or IAS officer, you must work independently," Banerjee asserted, directly addressing the officers she claimed were siding with the BJP. "Do politics directly," she added, implying that officials should not covertly align with any political party while performing their duties. The CM clarified that she was not seeking support for her party but insisting on impartiality. "I am not telling you to support us; I will request you to work independently, not one-sided," she emphasized.
Warning of Probes and Legal Consequences
Banerjee issued a stern warning that no wrongdoing would be overlooked. "Every single case will be judged, there will be a probe. No matter where someone comes from or where they stay, I will find them and make them eat laddoos made with stinging nettle," she declared, using a metaphorical threat to underscore her resolve. At a subsequent rally, she vowed to pursue legal action, stating, "I will drag every one of them to court, if not today then tomorrow, and ensure justice."
Criticism of Election Commission and BJP Candidate
During a rally in Jagatdal, the CM questioned the Election Commission's silence over controversial statements made by former IPS officer Rajesh Kumar, who is now a BJP candidate. Kumar allegedly threatened to hang Trinamool workers. "He says in meetings that he will hang TMC members from trees and beat them. Save yourself first. If you give such threats before polls, what will become of you once it's over?" Banerjee remarked, expressing apprehension over the safety of TMC workers.
She also raised concerns about the potential arrest of TMC candidate Somnath Shyam before the polls, suggesting it was part of a biased agenda.
Reflections on Past Decisions and Internal Criticism
Banerjee lamented having nurtured individuals who later turned against her. Referring to a local BJP candidate, she revealed, "The person who is standing as a BJP candidate here, I have nurtured him. He asked me for a ticket, but I didn't give it. I put him in the Pollution Control Board." She admitted to being perceived as too soft, citing advice from TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. "Abhishek sometimes tells me, ‘can't you be a bit strict? Why are you so weak?' I should have put him in jail that very day; I gave Rajesh Kumar a chance, he misused that," she confessed.
Allegations of Bias in Bhowanipore Constituency
The CM claimed she herself was facing bias in the Bhowanipore constituency, where she is a candidate. "They have brought that traitor to Bhowanipore as a returning officer. He says ‘I won't give permission'. Since you live in Baruipur, we were the ones who made you a BDO; you don't even have the qualification to be a returning officer," Banerjee alleged. She asserted her popularity, stating, "I don't need to hold a meeting; if I just stand on the road and speak, everyone will come."
Claims of Vote Rigging and Political Rivalry
Banerjee alleged that three wards in her constituency—74, 77, and 63—have been selected for potential vote rigging using central forces. "Wherever there is trouble, I will be present," she vowed, indicating her readiness to confront any electoral malpractice.
Earlier in Haldia, she targeted the Adhikari family, particularly Suvendu Adhikari, without naming him directly. "Today you are in power in BJP, roaming around with 20 cars. You cannot fight Abhishek and you will fight me? I am telling you — Abhishek will take responsibility for Midnapore. I will remain, it is my responsibility to uproot these traitors," she declared, reinforcing her commitment to challenging political rivals.
