Kolkata, 06 April (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Union government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Election Commission while addressing election rallies in Nadia district, raising issues ranging from an alleged remark by Pakistan’s Defence Minister to concerns over the electoral process.

Banerjee referred to a reported statement attributed to Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and described any suggestion of a threat to Kolkata as a serious matter. She questioned why the Union government had not issued a strong response.

“How can a Pakistan minister talk about targeting Kolkata? The Prime Minister visited Bengal recently, but why was nothing said about this? Why was there no assurance of strict action? We want a proper inquiry. We will not tolerate any threat to Kolkata,” she said.

Referring to the vote counting scheduled for May 4, Banerjee urged party workers to remain alert and not be influenced by early trends.

“They will try to show from the morning that they are winning. Do not be afraid. In the end, the victory will be ours. Do not leave the counting centres until the process is complete,” she said.

Banerjee also highlighted key promises from the TMC manifesto, including a proposed doorstep healthcare initiative aimed at improving access to medical services.

“Doctors will visit homes, conduct X-rays and blood tests, and refer patients to hospitals if required. We have several such welfare plans,” she said.

The Chief Minister also alleged proximity between the BJP and the Election Commission. Referring to her recent visit to Nandigram, she claimed that BJP leaders were seen in the company of poll officials, which she said raised questions about neutrality. She also made an indirect reference to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer in this context.

Banerjee also commented on the Mothabari incident, stating that while violence could not be supported under any circumstances, she alleged that innocent people were being arrested instead of the actual culprits.

She further raised the issue of the death of Rinku Tarafdar, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Nadia, claiming that a purported suicide note had held the Election Commission responsible. She questioned what action had been taken in the matter.

The Chief Minister addressed three rallies on Monday in Nadia and Purba Bardhaman districts, campaigning for TMC candidates Rukbanur Rahman, Alifa Ahmed, and Kallol Khan from Palashipara, Kaliganj, and Nakashipara respectively.

At the end of one of the rallies, Banerjee was also seen dancing with local women to a song written by her, a gesture that has increasingly become part of her campaign appearances.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh