Kolkata, 15 April (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday intensified her attack on the Centre and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the ongoing controversy surrounding vehicle checks ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Addressing an election rally in Islampur, Banerjee claimed that central forces had approached her vehicle for inspection at Dum Dum Airport. “Today at Dum Dum Airport, central forces came near my car. I myself said, ‘Go ahead and check, I want the inspection to be carried out,’” she said.

She questioned what she described as selective कार्रवाई, asking why vehicles of top BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, were not subjected to similar checks if Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders were being inspected.

Alleging bias in the name of election enforcement, Banerjee said, “If vehicles of all TMC leaders are being checked, why not those of BJP leaders? Is this how elections will be conducted?” She further alleged that money is transported in vehicles of central leaders and also raised concerns over the use of central forces’ vehicles.

The controversy comes amid allegations by the TMC that instructions were issued via a WhatsApp message to check the vehicles of Abhishek Banerjee and his wife. The party has warned of legal action in the matter.

Targeting both the Election Commission and the BJP, Banerjee said, “If you have the courage, check my car every day. I have no objection. I am not a thief or a dacoit like the BJP; I am in politics.” She also stated that she does not draw a salary from the government.

As polling dates draw closer, political rhetoric and accusations between parties have intensified across West Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh