West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee has issued a stern warning against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of attempting to incite violence just before the Lok Sabha elections in the state. Banerjee’s remarks come in response to the recent presence of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in West Bengal and the subsequent incidents involving the investigative agency.
Banerjee, addressing the public in Purulia on Sunday, alleged that the BJP would orchestrate a “riot” on April 17, just two days before the first phase of polling on April 19. “Lord Ram does not tell you to riot but these people will riot and by rioting, they will get NIA to enter the state,” Banerjee remarked, alluding to the BJP’s alleged tactics.
The confrontation escalated after NIA officials, dispatched to Bhupatinagar in East Midnapore district to probe a 2022 blast case at a Trinamool Congress leader’s residence, were reportedly attacked by villagers who hurled bricks at their vehicle. This incident further fueled Banerjee’s accusations against the BJP.
TMC Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee also joined in, threatening to expose what he referred to as the BJP’s conspiracy and their alleged nexus with the NIA. The NIA’s recent arrests of two local TMC leaders—Manobrata Jana and Balachandra Maity—in connection with the blast case further exacerbated tensions.
Mamata Banerjee raised serious concerns about the timing of these arrests, questioning the legitimacy and motives behind the NIA’s actions right before the elections. “Why did they raid at midnight? Did they have police permission? Locals reacted in the way they would have if any other stranger had visited the place at midnight,” Banerjee stated, reflecting the sentiments of the local community.
Banerjee’s accusations against the BJP intensified as she accused the party of attempting to intimidate opposition leaders and booth agents through the NIA. “What right does NIA have? They are doing all these to support the BJP. We call upon the entire world to fight against this BJP’s dirty politics,” she emphasized.
In response, the NIA defended its actions, asserting that its operations were lawful and necessary as part of an ongoing investigation into a grave crime involving the production of crude bombs, which resulted in a fatal explosion in Naruabila village, under the jurisdiction of PS Bhoopatinagar in Purba Medinipur district.
The escalating tensions between the TMC-led government and the BJP in West Bengal underscore the heightened political atmosphere ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections. The state has been a battleground of intense political rivalries, with the BJP making significant inroads in recent years, challenging the dominance of the TMC.
The allegations and counter-allegations between Mamata Banerjee’s party and the BJP highlight the deep-seated political divisions and the high stakes involved in the upcoming elections. Both parties are vigorously campaigning to secure their electoral prospects, with accusations of foul play and strategic maneuvers intensifying the already charged political environment.
As the election date draws closer, West Bengal remains a focal point of national attention, with the outcome of the elections potentially reshaping the state’s political landscape. The war of words and actions between the TMC and BJP underscores the fierce battle for power and influence in one of India’s most politically significant states.
