Kolkata, 16 January (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government, alleging that attempts were being made to intimidate her by threatening imprisonment. Addressing the media, she said she was being threatened with jail on the pretext of obstructing the functioning of central agencies, but asserted that she was not afraid. “If required, I am even ready to sacrifice my life for the people,” she said.

Several districts of West Bengal witnessed tense situations on Friday. On one hand, protests erupted in the Beldanga area of Murshidabad following the death of a migrant worker in Jharkhand, leading to the blockade of a national highway and railway tracks. On the other hand, rail services were disrupted at Samudragarh station in East Burdwan district, where protesters blocked the Howrah–Katwa line alleging harassment during the special intensive revision of the electoral rolls. Commenting on these developments, the Chief Minister alleged that violence and unrest were being encouraged with the backing of central agencies.

Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport before leaving for a two-day visit to North Bengal, Mamata Banerjee said the anger among the minority community was natural. However, she made it clear that vandalism and violence could not be justified under any circumstances. She alleged that there was a planned attempt to create unrest in the state.

Referring to the incidents of violence and arson during protests by sections of the Muslim community in Beldanga, the Chief Minister said the incidents were part of a conspiracy aimed at spreading violence. She accused BJP-ruled states of repeatedly targeting migrant workers from West Bengal. According to her, the state government has examined such cases and is extending all possible assistance to the affected families. She also appealed to the minority community to maintain peace and restraint.

On the issue of the special intensive revision of the electoral rolls, Mamata Banerjee alleged that there was a deliberate conspiracy to remove the names of minorities, as well as members of tribal, Matua and Rajbanshi communities. She claimed that new notices were being circulated daily through messaging platforms, putting booth-level officers under immense pressure. The Chief Minister further alleged that such confusion had been deliberately created only in West Bengal as part of a larger plan.

Mamata Banerjee also reacted to the search conducted at the office of political strategy firm I-PAC. She said the matter was currently pending before the Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for February 3. Responding to questions, she said some people were repeatedly claiming that she would be sent to jail for many years. “I am not afraid of such threats. If needed, I am ready to give my life for the people,” the Chief Minister asserted.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh