Malda, 3 December (H.S.):

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a public meeting in Gajol in Malda, on Wednesday, levelled serious allegations against the Central Government and the Election Commission regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. She appealed to the people of the state to fill out the SIR form so that no one's name is removed from the electoral roll.

In a veiled attempt to intimidate the Muslim community, she mentioned detention camps and also stated that no one would be allowed to go there, even though SIR has nothing to do with detention camps. She also provoked the Muslim community over the Waqf Act, saying, You can protest, but not in Bengal. This law was enacted by the BJP, not us.

Mamata Banerjee said, Must fill out the SIR form. Otherwise, your names will be struck off. I am also urging migrant workers to fill out the form.

The Chief Minister, during the meeting, targeted the BJP, raising the issue of the Waqf Act. She said, We did not make the Waqf Act; it is the BJP government's law. We will not allow anyone's property in Bengal to be touched.

At the meeting, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP government at the Centre of coercion and dictatorial attitude. She warned, If you try to create an Emergency-like situation by force, people will never forgive you. Today you have power in Delhi, tomorrow you may not.

The Chief Minister directly attacked the Election Commission and the Central Government regarding the SIR process. She claimed that this process was initiated hastily and was intended to spread fear among the people.

Accusing Home Minister Amit Shah, she said, The SIR was initiated by Amit Shah. Big things don't get done by cunning. But I'm clearly saying that no one will have to go to a detention camp. No one's name will be struck off. There's no need to be afraid.

Mamata Banerjee also reiterated her accusations of discrimination in economic distribution against the central government. She said that the center is siphoning off all the state's revenue through GST.

She said, GST is our only tax. The center takes away all the money. We are supposed to receive approximately ₹1.87 lakh crore from the center. Now I'm hearing that they will also deduct cigarette money. You're taking over the whole of India, aren't you ashamed?

She said that the center is hurting the soul of democracy by adopting a policy of coercion.

Assembly elections are due in the state next year, but Mamata Banerjee claimed that her visit to Malda was not an election related matter.

She said, I haven't come to ask for votes. I've come to alleviate your worries. Don't be afraid. I won't let anyone suffer any harm. I will always stand by you.

The Chief Minister mentioned several social programmes, including Lakshmi Bhandaar, and said, Lakshmi Bhandaar will continue for life.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey