TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the state administration, accusing them of harassment, intimidation and misuse of police machinery.
Addressing an event in Kolkata on the occasion of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad Foundation Day, Banerjee alleged that the BJP had been targeting her since the 2021 Assembly election. She claimed that two “mad people” were allegedly sent outside her Kalighat residence every night around 10 pm to disturb her and accused the BJP of using drunk people for the same purpose.
Banerjee also condemned the administration’s action against a woman who was allegedly reprimanded by BJP leader cum minister Agnimitra Paul on Park Street. She said she would stand with people who had faced harassment and livelihood losses during eviction drives.
‘I cannot bulldoze the public’
During the programme, Banerjee invited 10 hawkers who, according to her, had faced harassment and lost their livelihoods during eviction drives. TMCP members tied rakhis on their wrists and provided them with financial assistance.
On Raksha Bandhan, Banerjee said she would next approach the courts over alleged atrocities by the West Bengal Police. She also criticised the police action at Abhishek Banerjee’s Camac Street office and termed it illegal.
Meanwhile, when traffic came to a standstill after Banerjee reached Cathedral Road, she instructed the administration to clear the road. “Do not allow vehicles to enter during the meeting. The administration has made a mistake. Let the ambulance pass,” Banerjee told police.
She also alleged that roads around her residence had been blocked since morning and said, “I cannot bulldoze the public.”
‘Go to jail if necessary, but don’t join BJP’
Banerjee also urged supporters and political workers not to join the BJP even if they faced legal consequences.
“If necessary, go to jail, but do not join the BJP,” she said from the stage.
She further hit back at allegations surrounding books borrowed from the Assembly library, rejecting what she described as malicious claims.
‘We will seek permission from people’
Speaking at the TMCP Foundation Day event, Banerjee said her party would no longer “waste court time” seeking permission for rallies. She said that going forward, the Trinamool Congress would seek the people’s approval to hold meetings at places of its choice.
Her remarks came amid escalating political tensions in Bengal over voter-list revision, alleged police action, hawker evictions and the recent confrontation at Abhishek Banerjee’s Camac Street office.
“Jab tak main mara nahi, tab tak main haara nahi”, Abhishek
Stepping up her attack on the BJP and the Election Commission, Banerjee said, “Jab tak main mara nahi, tab tak main haara nahi. Ladai toh hobe. Bring all your agencies.” She alleged that the BJP had used the Election Commission to “hijack” the election and accused the party of using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process to remove lakhs of names from the voter list illegally.
Banerjee further accused the BJP of pursuing divisive politics in Bengal and using the police to create fear.
