Kolkata, 02 March (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday expressed confidence of winning the Bhabanipur Assembly seat during a program held at Netaji Indoor Stadium on the occasion of Holi and Dol celebrations. She claimed that even if her votes are reduced, she will secure victory from Bhabanipur by at least one vote.

Addressing alleged discrepancies in the voter list, the Chief Minister stated that approximately 60,000 votes were being removed from her constituency. “I am shocked. This is inhuman and vindictive. Weak people fight from behind. They are deliberately cutting names. Even though 60,000 votes are being cut from my Bhabanipur constituency, I say I will win from Bhabanipur, even by a single vote,” she said.

Mamata Banerjee emphasized her faith in God and the Mother, and expressed trust in people of all religions—Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist. She urged citizens to join peaceful demonstrations and provide moral support. She alleged that 12 million people in the state were being deprived of their right to vote and that many genuine voters’ names had been removed from the electoral rolls.

The Chief Minister further stated, “Voter names have been removed due to marriage or other reasons. Despite providing all information, the Election Commission has acted in a biased manner. In many cases, BLOs and micro-observers, influenced by the BJP, have been involved in cutting names. All blame lies with the BJP.” She also criticized the BJP’s ongoing ‘Parivartan Yatra’ in West Bengal, claiming that while names are being cut from Delhi BJP offices, the party is conducting a Rath Yatra in the state.

Referring to the 2.6 lakh voters in Bhabanipur, she said that in addition to 14,000 names removed due to logical discrepancies, 2,000 more names had gone missing. She mentioned that her team had approached the Supreme Court and cooperated peacefully, but deliberate exclusion of names had occurred.

During the program, Mamata Banerjee also announced land allocation for a proposed Jain temple in Bhabanipur. She said, “The Jain Committee has requested land in New Town for a temple. Land will be provided near the Vishw Bangla Gate. You may proceed with the construction of the temple.”

The Chief Minister extended greetings for Holi and Dol to all attendees and expressed hope that the celebrations would be observed in peace and harmony.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh