Mamata Banerjee Confronts Central Forces Over Alleged Selective Vehicle Checks at Kolkata Airport
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made startling allegations on Wednesday, claiming that central security forces approached her vehicle at Dum Dum airport in Kolkata and conducted checks. The Trinamool Congress supremo stated she willingly permitted the inspection but raised serious questions about why similar scrutiny was not applied to vehicles belonging to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.
"Why Is Only Trinamool Being Targeted?" Questions CM
"At Dum Dum airport, central forces approached my vehicle. I told them to check it," Banerjee declared. "But if vehicles of Trinamool leaders were being searched, why should the PM and HM's vehicles go unchecked?"
The Chief Minister escalated her criticism, questioning the fundamental fairness of the electoral process. "Why is only Trinamool being targeted? Is this how elections are supposed to be conducted?" she demanded. Banerjee further alleged that "central ministers are bringing in cash in vehicles used by central forces" and challenged why CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) vehicles were not being subjected to similar inspections.
Election Commission Responds to Allegations
In response to these claims, the Election Commission stated it had no knowledge of any checks conducted on the Chief Minister's car. CEO Manoj Agarwal clarified, "Such decisions are taken by statutory authorities or by magistrates. We have received no such information. Such decisions are based on specific reliable information and not hearsay."
Broader Allegations of Political Targeting
Banerjee expanded her critique beyond the airport incident, asserting that her party's struggle in the upcoming assembly polls extends beyond just the BJP. "BJP has brought the entire central government machinery to fight us. It has come to burn Bengal," she charged.
The Chief Minister emphasized the principle of equal treatment under law. "Action is being taken only against Trinamool to satisfy BJP. There's no action against any other political party," she maintained. In a defiant tone, Banerjee added, "You (BJP) won't be able to stop me in this manner. I am not threatened by you."
She issued a stark warning regarding arrests: "BJP has given instructions to arrest Trinamool workers and leaders. If you arrest one Trinamool worker, we will arrest thousands from your camp."
Criticism of Delimitation and Women's Reservation Bills
Banerjee also criticized the central government for linking the delimitation bill with the women's reservation bill, accusing the BJP of divisive politics. "You have deliberately linked the women's bill with delimitation. You will lose power soon," she predicted. "You have targeted Bengal. After winning in Bengal, we will show you our power."
Allegations of Voter List Manipulation
Addressing concerns about the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls, the Chief Minister alleged systematic disenfranchisement. "BJP has deleted countless votes," she claimed, but promised corrective action if her party returns to power.
"Women have been targeted. Every religion, caste and creed has suffered," Banerjee stated. "Don't you want to avenge this politically? After I moved the Supreme Court, 32 lakh voters were retained. If we return to power, no legitimate voter will be left out — all will be re-enrolled."
She concluded with a sweeping accusation: "The landlords of Delhi are misusing agencies, cutting votes and oppressing Bengal."
