Mamata Banerjee Launches Scathing Attack on BJP Over Multiple Issues
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered a blistering critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party during election rallies on Friday, addressing what she called "fish lies," alleged voter suppression, and border infiltration concerns. Speaking in Swarupnagar within the Basirhat constituency, the Trinamool Congress leader questioned the BJP's commitment to Bengali culture and dietary freedoms.
Defending Bengal's Fish Production and Dietary Rights
Banerjee vehemently countered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about insufficient fish production in Bengal. "PM Modi talked about fish. I will talk about how the production of fish has increased in Bengal," she declared, highlighting that fish production had skyrocketed from 1.7 lakh metric tonnes to 23.7 lakh metric tonnes during TMC's governance.
The CM emphasized Bengal's self-sufficiency in fish, noting that "the fish produced here is sold in local markets" and questioned why Bihar's fish would be exported if consumption was restricted there. She proudly stated that Bengal leads India in fish seed and fingerling production and no longer depends on Bangladesh for Hilsa fish, thanks to a dedicated research unit established in Diamond Harbour.
Banerjee challenged the BJP's dietary restrictions in other states, asking "Who are they to decide what people will eat?" and pointed out alleged persecution of Bengali speakers in BJP-ruled states.
Allegations of Voter List Manipulation
The Chief Minister presented startling claims about voter deletion following the Summary Revision (SIR). While TMC continues to verify data, Banerjee cited reports indicating that out of 90 lakh deleted voters, approximately 60 lakh were Hindus and 30 lakh were Muslims. She accused the BJP of indiscriminate deletions, particularly affecting Matua and Scheduled Caste communities in Bagda and Bongaon.
"Mota bhai has deleted voters indiscriminately. You can trust a snake once, but you can't trust BJP," Banerjee stated, drawing a sharp comparison. She referenced Assam's detention camps, where 19 lakh people were reportedly detained—13 lakh Hindus and 6 lakh Muslims—suggesting the BJP doesn't spare even its claimed supporters.
Border Security and Infiltration Concerns
Banerjee raised alarms about potential election rigging through border infiltration. She warned supporters to "stay vigilant in border areas" and alleged that 50,000 people from Uttar Pradesh traveled to Assam to vote during recent elections because BJP couldn't secure local votes.
The CM claimed that Bengal officials were transferred to facilitate the movement of people, cash, and drugs across borders, but assured that "our workers will not give them an inch." She shifted responsibility for infiltration to the central government, stating that since central forces guard borders, they bear accountability.
Constitutional Questions and Regional Division Fears
Banerjee posed a constitutional dilemma regarding the 2024 electoral list that formed the basis for PM Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah's positions. "Why should the basis of your right to be PM become a cause for discrimination in my case?" she questioned, suggesting that if the list contained infiltrators, both leaders should resign.
The CM rejected Bengal being labeled an "infiltrator factory," instead calling it "a place for those who keep humanity above everything else" where communal harmony prevails. She accused the BJP of attempting to divide Bengal into three parts through delimitation alongside the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Banerjee criticized what she perceived as institutional bias, claiming "every agency of this country is dancing to the tunes of BJP" as if a perpetual "Chaitra Sale" was underway. She demanded that BJP ensure Bengali safety in other states before promising a "Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal).
The day concluded with Banerjee holding a roadshow in Midnapore to support TMC candidates, reinforcing her campaign's intensity ahead of crucial elections.
