Kolkata, 06 April (H.S.): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of making remarks that allegedly create hostility against security forces, and urged the Election Commission of India to take cognisance of the matter.

Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s information technology cell, in a statement alleged that the Chief Minister’s comments could be interpreted as provocative and may incite confrontation with security agencies deployed during the elections.

Referring to her reported remarks, Malviya claimed that Banerjee suggested that if security personnel tried to obstruct people, they might have to “clear the roads”. He also referred to her alleged mention of the Border Security Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, stating that instructions had been given regarding the checking of women and that any inappropriate action would be resisted.

The BJP leader further alleged that the Chief Minister had urged people to proceed to polling booths even if they faced obstacles and to push forward in order to exercise their franchise.

Malviya said such statements were a matter of serious concern and should be examined carefully. He also referred to a recent incident in Mothabari in Malda district, claiming that the possible consequences of such situations were already visible.

The BJP has urged the Election Commission to examine the issue and take appropriate action. There was, however, no immediate official response from the All India Trinamool Congress regarding the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh