Kolkata, 02 April (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that the alleged harassment of seven judicial officers in Kaliachak in Malda district was part of a “joint conspiracy” between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India to create grounds for the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.

Addressing an election rally in Sagardighi in Murshidabad district, Banerjee said that ensuring the security of judicial officers was the responsibility of the Election Commission. She added that due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, the state administration was not under her direct control, and alleged that the poll panel had failed to provide adequate security.

Appealing for calm, the Chief Minister said that while grievances of people whose names were allegedly deleted from the electoral rolls during the revision process could be genuine, they should not be provoked into unrest. She also alleged that attempts were being made to damage West Bengal’s image and disrupt the electoral process.

Without naming them directly, Banerjee also raised questions about the role of a Hyderabad-based political party and a new political outfit floated by former Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir. She alleged that such forces had instigated people to block roads and gherao judicial officials.

She warned that any deterioration in the law and order situation could politically benefit the BJP and urged people not to take the law into their own hands and to maintain peace.

The Chief Minister also claimed that the newly appointed Chief Secretary, deputed under the Election Commission’s authority, had failed to handle the situation effectively. She said the Malda incident had tarnished the state’s image and stressed the need for collective efforts to maintain peace and stability.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh