Kolkata, 06 April (H.S.): Amid the campaign for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) would return to power with a bigger mandate. Addressing an election rally in Shantipur of Nadia district, she also urged party workers and supporters not to be influenced by rumours.
Speaking at a meeting held at Shantipur Stadium in support of TMC candidate Brajakishore Goswami, Banerjee said that if her reading of public sentiment was correct, the party was set to win more seats than before. She described the election as a crucial battle for Bengal’s identity and the future of its people.
During her address, Banerjee alleged that opposition parties might try to create a perception of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) victory through a planned narrative during the counting process. She cautioned party workers to remain alert against any such attempts to create confusion by selectively highlighting early counting trends.
She also appealed to voters not to succumb to any kind of pressure and said that the strongest response should come through democratic means.
Banerjee launched a strong attack on the BJP, alleging that the party was engaged in politics that could undermine people’s rights. Questioning the electorate, she asked whether they would support a party that, according to her, could take away their food, clothing, and voting rights.
On the issue of religion, she criticised the BJP and said Bengal’s culture has always stood for tolerance and harmony, adding that no one needed to teach the state the meaning of religion.-------
Highlights welfare schemes and development
The Chief Minister also highlighted several welfare schemes of her government, including free ration and scholarship schemes such as Kanyashree, Aikyashree, and Medhashree, stating that these initiatives would continue. She added that her government had built several hospitals and schools and planned to establish more English-medium government schools to reduce dependence on expensive private institutions.
Referring to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme for women, she said the benefits would continue and that women would keep receiving support under the programme.-------
Allegations over misuse of agencies
Banerjee also warned people against sharing their bank details with unknown individuals offering financial inducements. She alleged that such tactics could be used to implicate innocent people and advised voters to remain cautious.
She further accused central investigative agencies of being misused for political purposes and said that politics driven by vendetta was harmful to democracy.
During the rally, Banerjee also spoke about the challenges she has faced in her political career, stating that despite repeated attempts to attack her, she remained fearless. She said she had lived bravely and would continue to do so.
She also mentioned the hardships of continuous campaigning, saying she had been away from home for days and was managing with very simple food during the election period.
Banerjee expressed concern that attempts could be made to prevent voters from casting their ballots and urged people to remain vigilant and ensure their participation in the democratic process.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
