Kolkata, 03 April (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Union Home Minister Amit Shah while addressing an election rally at Harirampur in South Dinajpur district ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Addressing the gathering in support of a Trinamool Congress candidate, Banerjee took a swipe at Shah over his reported plan to stay in the state for 25 days ahead of the polls. She remarked that even if he stayed for all 365 days of the year, it would not affect her party’s electoral prospects.

She further claimed that the more people see Shah’s face, the more the BJP’s vote share would decline, alleging that his image reflects “atrocities and riots.”

The Chief Minister also accused the BJP of conspiring to divide West Bengal through the rearrangement of Assembly constituencies. She alleged that there was a plan to create a separate state by combining certain areas of Bihar and West Bengal, but expressed confidence that the BJP would be defeated in the 2026 elections.

Banerjee also expressed apprehension that Central forces deployed during polling might be used to prevent voters from casting their votes. She cautioned her party candidates against overconfidence and asked party workers to remain vigilant in their respective areas. She also highlighted the state government’s social welfare schemes while appealing to voters to remain alert.

Referring to a recent incident in Malda, the Chief Minister said the main accused in the case had been arrested by the state’s Criminal Investigation Department. She alleged that the accused had travelled from Maharashtra and was part of a conspiracy to create unrest at the BJP’s behest. She added that the arrest was made at Bagdogra before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) could step in.

Banerjee also alleged that persons linked to the BJP were seeking bank account details from people through certain agencies by offering monetary inducements. She warned people not to share their banking details with anyone.

She asserted that the Trinamool Congress is contesting the elections on the plank of development and public welfare and expressed confidence that the party would receive strong public support.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh