Mamata Banerjee Condemns PM Modi's Address as Electioneering, Questions BJP's Commitment to Women
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, labeling his recent national address as a "cowardly, hypocritical, and fork-tongued" election campaign speech. She accused the Prime Minister of exploiting government machinery for political gains during the ongoing state polls.
Banerjee Challenges Modi on Women's Reservation Bill Implementation
At rallies in Tarakeswar, Hooghly, and East Burdwan, Banerjee vehemently criticized the BJP for its stance on the women's reservation bill. She highlighted that while the bill was passed with over 450 votes on September 25, 2023, it remains unimplemented. "Modi babu, give an answer! Amit Shah, give an answer!" she demanded, questioning the BJP's genuine interest in female representation.
Banerjee pointed out that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has 37% women MPs in the Lok Sabha and 46% in the Rajya Sabha, compared to what she described as the BJP's token nominations. "You field women in losing seats," she asserted, alleging that the BJP's actions contradict its public advocacy for women's empowerment.
Allegations of Misusing Government Resources
The Chief Minister accused PM Modi of illegally using government platforms like Doordarshan for political campaigning. "How can you, as Prime Minister, use govt machinery to perform illegal acts during an election?" she questioned, referencing reports of campaign materials being sent to CBSE schools.
Banerjee also raised concerns about external interference, claiming that "goons" from other states and retired officials are intimidating local administrators. She cited frequent ED raids on TMC members as evidence of undue pressure during the electoral process.
Broader Political Accusations and Warnings
In her speeches, Banerjee revisited the BJP's unfulfilled promise of depositing Rs 15 lakh into citizens' accounts, urging Modi to resign on moral grounds if unable to deliver. She warned, "The BJP's fall of '26 has begun. If you target Bengal, we will target Delhi," signaling escalating political tensions.
Through a post on X, Banerjee challenged the Prime Minister to future addresses from Parliament, where he would face direct scrutiny. Her remarks underscore the heated exchanges characterizing the West Bengal election campaign, with issues of governance, representation, and electoral integrity at the forefront.
