Kolkata/Alipurduar, 16 April (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday levelled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the party is bringing in outsiders to influence voters by distributing money during the ongoing election period.
Addressing a campaign rally in Alipurduar in support of Trinamool Congress candidate Suman Kanjilal, Banerjee alleged that individuals from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam have been brought in and accommodated in hotels to carry out cash distribution and influence the electoral process.
She further claimed that the BJP lacks sufficient local cadre, and is therefore relying on external agencies to fill up forms and deploy individuals at polling booths. According to her, this reflects an attempt to manipulate the electoral mechanism through organised means.
The Chief Minister also urged voters to remain cautious, alleging that such agencies are collecting sensitive personal information—including names, addresses, bank account details, and phone numbers—during form-filling exercises, which could later be misused.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee accused the central government of failing to deliver on key promises, including employment generation and reopening tea gardens in the region. She asserted that her government has already implemented the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations and is providing 25 percent dearness allowance to state employees.
Highlighting welfare measures, Banerjee said West Bengal continues to provide pension benefits and multiple facilities to government employees, including festival holidays and travel benefits. She also questioned the BJP over its promise of creating two crore jobs annually, alleging that it remains unfulfilled.
On the issue of women’s reservation and delimitation, Banerjee criticised the Centre, stating that linking reservation with constituency delimitation is an attempt to divide West Bengal and undermines women’s dignity.
Accusing the BJP of being absent during times of crisis such as natural disasters, she claimed that her government has consistently worked for development and relief. Banerjee concluded by asserting that there is “no place” for the BJP in West Bengal.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
